I confess. I didn't want to go. I don't much like going out in the evening (couldn't be a sign of aging could it?). I especially don't like going out on Sunday evening. We go to church on Saturday, and Sunday has become a day of total relaxation. Besides the Downton Abbey finale was on ... and that is thoroughly ridiculous and wrong, but there you have it.
We went ... because my husband is a man who has his priorities in order, and because I didn't want my stinky attitude to ruin things.
It was a benefit concert with Phillips, Dean and Craig to raise money for organizations in our city who minister to the poorest of the poor (I told you I was being ridiculous!). Our adult choir and teenage choirs each sang a few songs. Then we sang the finale with Phillips, Dean and Craig: "Revelation Song."
You already know what's coming, I'm sure. I am so glad I went. It was so inspiring. Hundreds of voices raised in praise. God's presence filling the huge church sanctuary.
From my vantage point high up in the choir loft, I could look out over the people. In my mind's eye I could see them stretching to the horizon - an endless sea of faces. I thought of John's vision in Revelation 7:9
"After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands."
The choir loft is set so far back, I could only see the faces of those in the front rows, but He saw each one. Just as in some future day, when heaven becomes our home, and we stand small in a crowd too huge to number, He will see us. See us just as clearly and intimately as though we were the only one there.
We sang as one: "He loves us. Oh how He loves us. Oh how He loves."* Each of us, whose very hairs are numbered, standing shoulder to shoulder in a crowd. He loves us; He loves you; He loves me - as though we were His only child.
*"He Love Us" John Mark McMillan
Joining my sweet friend Laura today:
Blessings,
Linda
