Thursday prior to Easter 4

[1]

Revelation 7:9–17—What a beautiful picture of the Church we have placed before us! Redeemed children of God, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages. Their white robes show that they have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. These Christians, having been called, gathered, enlightened, and sanctified by the ministrations of the Holy Spirit, now surround the throne of God and sing praises to God and to the Lamb, just as the Church on earth does in the Divine Service.

This vision of the multitude of martyrs in heaven, gathered around the throne of God leads the writer of Revelation into a dialogue in which he explains that those who will share in this glorious eternity are those who have survived the great tribulation. They have been faithful to Christ.  “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of Life.” – Revelation 2:10

Prayer for unity of faith: O God, Your infinite love restores to the right way those who err, seeks the scattered, and preserves those whom You have gathered. Of Your tender mercy pour out on Your faithful people the grace of unity that, all schisms being ended, Your flock may be gathered to the true Shepherd of Your Church and may serve You in all faithfulness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [2]-

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[1] The Good Shepherd by William Dyce https://www.flickr.com/photos/17903031@N00/7819877018

[2] Collect for Unity of faith, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis