Friday, November 7, 2008
Revelation 7:17 The Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
FUTURE GLORY AWAITS GOD'S EARTHBOUND SAINTS
When Jesus walked the mournful way to the cross, enduring its suffering patiently in obedience to His Father, He was strengthened by the knowledge that ultimate victory would be His. After the tribulation there would be glory. After the shame and anguish there would be joyous exaltation. Upon completion of His Savior-work His Father raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
God's blood-bought saints who experience tribulation during their earthly sojourn may take heart for the same reason. The day comes when all that brings trouble, pain, and suffering will be a thing of the past. When the Savior returns and takes His believers into the New Jerusalem, perfect peace will hold sway. He will personally take care of us. He will be our shield from all that would disturb our happiness. He will remove from the scene permanently all that would cause tears. Then will the saying come true: "Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh" (Luke 6:21).
As we live our lives through this sin-torn world, there are indeed many things that cause stress and heavy-heartedness. But let us draw comfort from the Savior's promise that our present sufferings aren't worth comparing with the glory to be revealed in us, when He takes us into His heavenly mansions. Now is the time of the great tribulation, but . . .
Then the glory, Then the rest, Then the Sabbath peace unbroken
Then the garden, Then the throne, Then the crystal river flowing
Then the splendor, Then the life, Then the new creation singing,
Then the marriage, and the love and the feast of joy unending.
Then the knowing, Then the light,
Then the ultimate adventure.
Then the Spirit's harvest gathered, Then the Lamb in majesty.
(Worship Supplement 2000, 795)
