From Every Nation: A Revelation 7:9 Vision

There’s an enthralling visual presented in the book of Revelation, when at last God’s chosen people have gathered together: “I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Revelation 7:9-10).

It’s the long-awaited culmination of a people rescued by God, brought together in a common sense of awe and wonder. They stand in reverence. They cry out in unison. It would seem that in God’s eyes, we’re enriched when we’re together.

It would seem that in God’s eyes, we’re enriched when we’re together.

When I was a kid, I remember peering through a kaleidoscope and feeling awestruck. There was something about the mosaic of swirling colours that I found captivating: a spectrum of shades and patterns at my fingertips, just for me. I never seemed to grow tired of the dance that unfolded before my eyes, each hue made more radiant by those that surrounded it.  

At the time, the idea of beauty being magnified by differences was intuitive to me.

In today’s political and social climate, differences are often viewed as risks. Those that seek asylum become security threats warranting suspicion. People who speak a different language, or come from a different country, are seen as “other”. In the process, values like hospitality and kindness can be choked out, as concerns over the integrity of borders or scarce employment take centre stage. We can be tempted to feel that diversity compromises our safety or in some way impedes our ability to thrive.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul made a bold assertion, and it’s one I think we’re all too prone to gloss over: “The entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:14) “The entire law?” we might wonder. That must be a bit of an overstatement.

We can be tempted to feel that diversity compromises our safety or in some way impedes our ability to thrive.

Jesus’ life doesn’t seem to suggest that it is an overstatement, nor does the creation narrative. In the beginning, God created male and female in his image (Genesis 1:27), imago dei. We are each uniquely created to reflect God. This notion has implications, first that all people are created equal, but more still that each of us is worthy of honour and care. And each nuance, every individual quirk that we possess somehow works to showcase the majesty of God in a distinct way. We need one another to better see God’s fullness and majesty.

And it’s this same God who shows a determination to see all people come to know him and be welcomed into his family. In Matthew 28, we see Jesus commission the disciples to go into the world, and make disciples of all nations.

To God, neighbours deserve love and diversity is strength.

As Christians, we are the people of God first and foremost. Paul explained that there is no longer “Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) The dividing lines have dissolved, and we all are brothers and sisters united by a common saviour. We are to view strangers as blessings. This is true in the household of God, and it must also hold true in how we view all people.

The implications of imago dei mean that all are worthy of care and protection. Individuals must be afforded the freedom to seek out a better life for themselves and their families. This goes for immigrants, refugees, and everyone in between. All must be treated with compassion first, not fear or distrust.

Could it be possible that hidden behind conversations about so-called commitments to “protocol” or “national interest” are, in fact, shreds of racism or xenophobia?

If we see immigrants as threats or burdens on our economic systems, then it’s unlikely we will love them as ourselves; besides, evidence shows that they are not a burden. We must ask if our attitudes demonstrate that we truly see all people as equal in value and worth. If our rhetoric says one thing, but Christ’s example another, we have some serious issues to address.

Immigrants are not burdens. Refugees are not opportunists. Loving our neighbours is an imperative, not an option. We have a duty as a wealthy nation, and all the more as the people of God, to respond with care and compassion to all people.

Diversity is a strength, not a hindrance. The rule of law is important, of course, but could it be possible that hidden behind conversations about so-called commitments to “protocol” or “national interest” are, in fact, shreds of racism or xenophobia?

God’s desire is to gather a people together from every nation, every tribe, and every tongue; our desire should be the same. We must counter the narrative that paints immigrants as burdens. Instead, we must embrace them as blessings. 

This is a key moment, in both the U.S. and Canada, for speaking up for strong refugee resettlement levels: 

Support refugee resettlement in Canada

Support welcoming refugees to the United States

[Image: Flickr user Linda Flores, under Creative Commons license]