Friday, April 22, 2016
THE LAMB ON THE THRONE WILL SHEPHERD THEM (5)
Revelation 7:15-17 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
COMPLETE JOY
The book of Revelation provides many wonderful glimpses of heaven, none more beautiful than this description of the believing saints in glory. Numbers are often significant in an apocalyptic book like Revelation. For example, the number ten indicates completeness. Ten stirring statements summarize the complete joy of believers in the Church Triumphant in eternal glory:
1. They are before the throne of God
2. They serve Him day and night in His temple.
3. He who sits on the throne dwell among them.
[These three indicate the joy of being in God's presence.]
4. They no longer hunger.
5. They no longer thirst.
6. The sun shall not strike them.
7. Nor any heat.
[These four describe the saints' freedom from sin.]
8. The Lamb will shepherd them.
9. He will lead them to living fountains of waters.
10. God shall wipe away ever tear from their eyes.
[The last three again indicate complete joy in God's presence.]
The Christian hope of heaven is often mocked. So be it. Far from playing harps all day, heaven is a place where believers find fulfilling, joyful service to God day and night. "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
In heaven the "tent" of God's protection shields His own from every sorrow which sin and Satan can cause on Earth. "And thus we shall always be with the Lord!" (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Then hail, ye mighty legions, yea, All hail! Now safe and blest for aye,
And praise the Lord, who with His Word Sustained you on the way.
Ye did the joys of earth disdain, Ye toiled and sowed in tears and pain.
Farewell, now bring your sheaves and sing Salvation's glad refrain.
Swing high your palms, lift up your song, Yea, make it myriad voices strong.
Eternally shall praise to Thee, God, and the Lamb belong.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 656:3)
