January 17, Revelation 7
Angels who hold back the four winds and seal God’s servants on their foreheads are fascinating parts of John’s vision. So also are the mystical 144,000 composed of 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of ancient Israel. Even more interesting to me are the innumerable worshippers standing before the throne, whose robes had been washed white in the blood of the Lamb. But what really grabs my attention in this portion is this phrase: “For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd….” In the person of the crucified and risen Jesus, two powerful images converge in beautiful irony.
I’m sure you know “The Lord is my shepherd” from Psalms. You probably also remember Jesus saying he was the Good Shepherd who would lay down his life for the sheep. But who would have imagined that the Shepherd would be the Lamb as well? One in the same, he washes us with his own blood to purify us and bring us to the throne of God. He shelters us, provides for us and guides us to the springs of living water.
The throng is multi-national, multi-cultural and multi-lingual. It’s also a loud crowd, waving palm branches and crying out, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” They ascribe blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor and power to God. There is no debate about whether they could have come on their own. They could not. Without the Lamb’s blood, they could not come near. Without his shepherding grace, they would not know the satisfaction and comfort that comes from serving him, having every need met and
every tear wiped away.
I may not know all about the angels who have the power to hurt the earth. The elders and the living creatures are mysterious. But I do know I want to be in that uncountable number, washed in the blood of the Lamb, worshipping before the throne of God. Membership in any other group is meaningless if I’m not in this one. Are you determined to be in the innumerable throng, worshipping the Shepherd Lamb?
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—January 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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