Revelation 7:9-17: Palm Branches in Their Hands

On the Isle of Patmos, located roughly sixty miles from the city of Ephesus, the exiled Apostle John was given ample opportunity to reflect upon the events leading up to, and including Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension. Perhaps reflecting upon the fourth gospel, which he was inspired by God to pen, he would ponder Christ’s reception into Jerusalem on that celebrated day with these words:

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” John 12:13

In John’s vision, given to him while in the Spirit on the Lord’s day (1:10), the writer describes an international worshiping community gathered around the Lord’s cosmic throne, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands (7:9). On this Palm Sunday, let’s link together the descriptions provided in John 12:13 and Revelation 7, as we honor the one who is the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on the earth (Revelation 1:5).

As We Ponder The Nature Of Christ’s Reign, Note...

• The Worship Being Offered. (9-12)
• The Question Being Addressed. (13-14)
• The Perspective Being Given. (15-17)