They will bring the grandeur and the wealth of the nations into it, but nothing ritually unclean will ever enter into it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or practices falsehood, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Revelation 21:26, 27)
South Americans are lovers of life. They samba dance at fiestas, shout at soccer matches, and weep in cathedrals. Latinos fill life with passion.
Africans engage God’s creation. Soil, rain, animals, and fire are celebrated with rhythm and bold harmony. Africans extol God for his gifts.
Asians are masterful artists. For millenniums they’ve refined calligraphy, music, and bonsai gardening. Asians reflect God through the art of graceful living.
Europeans polish hospitality. A European is in his element when he can give a proper day of sport, thrice kissed cheeks, or a fifty-year-old port. Like their heavenly Father, they give their best.
North Americans run hard at life. They know the value of their short years and invest themselves fully. They take God seriously when he says to multiply their talents.
In every culture there is an “ism”—as in Americanism or Europeanism—that’s as holy as it is unique. Sift away our sinful fear of human diversity and what remains are the mosaic pieces that adorn heaven. The people listed in the book of life will bring this purified variety into our new home.
Like the magi who brought gold, incense, and myrrh from their respective countries, we will bring the grandeur of our nations as gifts of eternal worship.
Prayer: Father of all, I embrace your love of human diversity.