We are people in the crowd that gathers around the Lamb once slain who lives. Though we know that like that Lamb we will one day die, we also know that because of the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world we shall also live forever. We shall stand before the throne of God, not because we re worthy, but because our robes have been washed in the blood of the Lamb.

The Lamb once slain gives us hope that one day we will live in the new Jerusalem, in the heavenly kingdom, where God will our light, so radiant that there is no need for sun or electric lights. Though we may only see the darkness around us now, the Lamb will be our lamp. Though death may seem inevitable, life with God will triumph.

We, therefore, are people of hope. St. Paul tells us that

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:22-25)

We have that hope because of the vision God has for us, the vision shared with prophets and evangelist, the vision of the Lamb once slain who lives!