“For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17 ESV).
John wrote the book of Revelation to believers who were suffering for their faith, recording visions that the risen Christ gave him in order to strengthen and comfort them. In this vision, John saw a great multitude who had come out of the great tribulation, now standing before God’s throne and before the Lamb. Though they had endured intense suffering on earth, they were clothed in white, fully accepted, and secure forever in God’s presence. John described a striking and tender paradox: the One called “the Lamb,” who had been slain as a sacrifice, stood in the midst of the throne with royal authority, yet He also served as their Shepherd. Those worshiping before Him appear to be tribulation saints whose earthly suffering had given way to heavenly rest. The Lamb who once died was now risen, reigning, and personally guiding His people to springs of living water, while God Himself wiped away every tear that their suffering had produced.
We live in a world filled with grief, uncertainty, and pain, and there are moments when our hearts grow weary and weak. At times, we may wonder whether God sees the suffering and sorrow. Yet this vision assures us that our Savior is both compassionate and sovereign. He is the Lamb who laid down His life for us, and He is the Shepherd who now leads us with perfect care. Though we may face seasons of loss, disappointment, and sorrow, Christ walks with us, providing what we need and leading us step by step toward lasting joy. As we cling to this hope, we learn to rest in the truth that Christ is both our Lamb, our Savior, and our Shepherd, therefore our future is secure and our present sorrow will one day turn into eternal joy.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You that Jesus is both the Lamb who was slain for us and the Shepherd who lovingly leads us. We confess that we often allow our trials to cloud our trust in Your care. Help us rest in the assurance that You see every tear and will one day wipe them all away. Teach us to follow our Shepherd Jesus with faith and hope today, confident that our lives are held securely in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, amen.