This Is Our Story: Rising Through InjusticeSample

Every nation, tribe, people and language 

By Heidi Damon, Head of Global Church Influencing for Tearfund.

In the book of Revelation, we are given an image of collective diversity and reminded of what the kingdom of God will look like. John sees 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. 

As a woman of mixed heritage, I was raised in a hugely diverse setting with uncles and aunts and now a family by extension through my husband hailing from Sri Lanka, Finland, Grenada, Malaysia, Africa and beyond. Our family is a beautiful collision of global cultural heritages. The banquet table at our family gatherings is more than exquisite; we love to celebrate our collective diversity despite our obvious differences! 

As we look at the systemic brokenness of this world and the ‘othering’ that so many of us have felt, we are reminded of this image – in God’s kingdom we are all welcomed, celebrated and included, whoever we are. 

Friends, as you read this, please know, you are seen, heard and are so welcome. Thank you for making the world a richer place and for showing us a different part of God’s magnificent character and image! 

Prayer

Creator God,

Thank you for the reminder that we, created in your image, are people from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages and as such reflect the fullness of you. 

May your Spirit continue to watch over us, protect us, guide us and bring us into the light of peace and hope. 

Amen.