Reading
SAA Notes
John symbolises the whole of the Church (i.e. the true Israel of God) with the number 144,000 – 12 times 12,000. Israel is referred to as the thousands of Israel! (Numbers 10:36 Moses said, “Return, O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel”.) The reference to a seal on their foreheads is reference to their baptism. All of God’s people will be saved. He will not miss out one of His own!
SJA Notes
* Dear God, Your word is truth and light – please shine into our hearts today.
“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.”
These are great promises to us, wonderful truths for us to embrace.
The Lamb is our GOOD SHEPHERD! He is WORTHY, and He shepherds us His people in such a way.
Remember John 4 and the well of water springing up to eternal life – Here it is again! Jesus guides us to springs of living water, a flowing stream that never stagnates, that does not dry up.
And our God will wipe away every tear from our eyes – What a promise this is. Because this life has pain and hardness and anxiety and worry, hurt and sadness and loss and violence and terrible things.
But God has a great promise for us, and we will read more of it at the end of this book – That He will WIPE AWAY every tear.
Our God cares for us. He is with us (Immanuel!), and He loves us in such a way.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
* Dear Father in Heaven,
Thank You for this image of what is to come, a revelation of the heavenly realities.
Please fix within us a singular desire to be Your people only Yours.
Thank You that as the Good Shepherd You lead us to streams of living water and You will wipe away all our sorrow.
Amen.