Lord, I Want to Be in That Number

A great thing about All Saints Day, something I just love is the glorious picture I imagine of the final consummation of things. When I think of all the Saints, I get eschatological. I think of when we shall all be together at length. What a crowd of creatures! How many angels, how many human souls? How many creatures we know nothing about? (Think Narnia.) Oh, when the saints, et al, go marching in! Right? In this world we have confusion: we have distraction, illness, tears, and pain. In that number, as the Revelation of John announces (Rev 21: 3-5), we shall be at home with God, who shall wipe away every tear. There shall be no sorrow or crying or pain. For all the former things are past and gone in that reality. Can you see it? Can you feel it?  The One sitting on the throne shall say, “See, I am making all things new!”

Just think, in that consummation of things there will be no election campaigns. Just the Elect, the Body of Christ, called into union with the Godhead. We will hunger and thirst no more. Oh, and no mosquitos. And the banquet table will be rich and wonderful, with no calories to count. You will have stepped on your last scale, stubbed your last toe, and shredded your last piece of junk mail. But more than all the wonderful conditions, you will be in that happy number, smiling, laughing, praising, and singing. Talk about your “joyful noise!” I love the hymn “For All the Saints” and so let’s just close with this gorgeous poetry from that amazing hymn (Hymn 287) verses 7 and 8:

But lo! There breaks a yet more glorious day;
the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
the Ruler of glory walks along that way. Alleluia, alleluia!

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
in praise of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia!