Every Tribe, Language, People and Nation

And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation."
Revelation 5:9

This summer I've been greatly blessed by getting to spend time with two different African refugee families. I got connected with the families through my mom. She's served the families for about a year and a half now. When I got of school for the summer, she asked if I would take two of the boys to soccer practice. So I started taking Eriya and Claude to their practices and games. My relationship with the boys grew over time and I now spend time with them regularly. If you don't know them, they are hiliarious and you should get to know them.

Through my relationship with the boys, I eventually got more directly involved with their families. Yesterday, Rachel and I went over to their apartment complex and taught English. As I was teaching Eriya's father, Pascal, English vocabulary of the household, he taught me the same vocabulary in his native languages, Swahili and Kirundi. I struggled to learn the words and now I really can't remember any of those he taught me. But God used the time I spent with Pascal to remind me about His rich diversity.

Creation proclaims the diversity of God. His creation is more than innovative. It is completely and totally original. It is indescribable because He is indescribable!

That being said, I want to quickly discuss the variety of human cultures by specifically talking about my experiences with one special culture God created. The refugee families' culture is so incredibly unique! They are always happy. In phone conversations with their friends, they passionately sing praises to Jesus like Americans passionately gossip about others. Their hospitality compares to the wait staff at a five star restaurant. I can barely finish the juice they give me before they are ready to give me a refill. They are so thankful and it's apparent in their every demeanor. Yet, they have so little. It's amazing! I love it!

God is the author of African culture. He is the author of all cultures. He authored the cultures for His glory. Therefore, He desires people from every tribe, nation and language to worship Him. His desire will come true. (Revelation 5:9) I can not wait for that day when all His people join together in unison to give Him praise in their native languages! The reality of Revelation 5:9 is awesome! Just think about it. According to the Joshua Project, there are 16,309 people groups by country and 6,511 languages spoken in the world today. Imagine now the powerful, sweet sound of all these unique saints singing praises to God!

Again, I can't wait for this day! All praise and glory to Jesus!

In Him,

Mark