No Interpreter Needed

Tuesday - October 26th

Scripture to Read Today: Revelation 7:9-17

---

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

Revelations 7:9-10

Over the last two decades, I have had the privilege of preaching to many different people in various settings. Perhaps my favorite settings have been where I did not speak the language of the audience. To preach or teach, I needed an interpreter. Most of those settings have been outside the U.S. Many pastors don't like preaching with an interpreter. Some think it's funny to call an "interpreter" and "interrupter." I never did. It is a joy to work with a godly interpreter seeking to make my message clear for the listeners.

I found the rhythm of saying a sentence or two and then waiting while what I said was interpreted for the audience enhanced my preaching. The pause on my part allowed me to think about what I would say next. In many ways, it gave me a chance to be more clear, concise, and compelling. So, I have always enjoyed preaching with an interpreter.

There will be a day when no interpreters will ever be needed again. In the Apostle John's great glimpse of glory, recorded in the New Testament Book of Revelation, He gives us an image of worship around the throne in Heaven. He sees people from every nation, tribe, people, and language gathered and crying out in adoration. No interpretation is needed in that setting. The Lord receives all of the praise given in the various languages.

A significant theme in both the Old and New Testaments involves celebrating God's redemptive plan reaching people from every race, tribe, and ethnicity. God has a heart for all people. He receives their worship. He hears their praise. In our efforts to take the Good News of Jesus Christ to the far reaches of the planet, we reflect God's heart for all people. We should find joy and hope when we read in Revelation about various people groups praising God in their own languages.

God has a heart for every nation, tribe, people, and language, and so should we!