After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.

Revelation 7:9-10

And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

Sherri and the Parent Life mentors set up a special spa event for their weekly Youth For Christ meeting with teenage parents. New that night was a pregnant 13-year- old. You read that right. As the mentors got on their knees to clip and paint nails the room was filled with the “oohs” and “ahhs” of pampering.

As they chatted, our mentors asked the mentees about life and what was going on. As often happens in these moments the thin veneer of quick answers was gently rubbed off and the tender, raw skin of life was revealed with its fears, anxiety and darkness. Sherri’s message that night from Scripture was about Christ Jesus, who brings peace, calms the storm and pursues us with salvation in hand. The night ended with kids being prayed over by their mentors.

The great picture in Revelation 7, with the redeemed multitudes from all people and nations, is a picture of hope fulfilled. Because of Christ salvation has come, sin has been forgiven, the far brought near and the dead brought to life. It’s a picture I get a glimpse of, here and now, when that 13-year-old teen mom discovers lasting peace in Jesus.

Someday that young girl, you and I, YFC staff and mentors from all over the globe will join together in that great heavenly scene. But we need not wait until then. We can live the heavenly scene now together, on our knees in mission, unity and love.

Father, please knit your people back together in unity, with love for each other and the lost. Help me join the heavenly scenes playing out around me and amplify the chorus of praise.