Revelation 7:9. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb,
Our numbering can go a very long way, what, therefore, must be the countless hosts of the redeemed who are to be «a great multitude, which no man could number?» And what an infinite variety there will be among them, seeing that they shall not only be «of all nations,» but out of those nations they shall be of all kindreds, and people, and tongues,» that is, all sorts and conditions of men, of every race, and of every age from the first century down to the last. Christ's immeasurable redemption price must bring, to him a great reward. Isaiah long ago foretold that «He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied;» and it is no little result that will satisfy him for such travail of soul as he endured. This great multitude «stood before the throne, and before the Lamb,»
Revelation 7:9. Clothed with white robes,
To set forth their purity, their victory, and their entrance into the marriage state, for such was the color usually worn on such occasions. «Clothed with white robes,» to show that they had entered into their rest, so that their garments were no longer soiled through their toil. They have reached their everlasting Sabbath, their week-day service is over for ever.
Revelation 7:9-11. And palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon, the throne, and unto the Lamb.
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, The angels form the outer ring. The elders, who represent the Church of the redeemed, are nearer to the throne of God than even the holy angels are. Nearest to God in heaven are those who have been redeemed from among men. How high a dignity how noble an estate awaits us by-and-by! But, all alike, both saved men and unfallen angels, «fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,»
Revelation 7:12-17. Saying Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, these are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of his Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst, any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all gears from their eyes
This exposition consisted of readings from Matthew 3:1, and Matthew 11:20-30; and Revelation 7:9-17.