9 After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.

10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

17 For the Lamb in 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.’”

— Revelation 7:9-10, 17

They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has mercy on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.

— Isaiah 49:10

And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

— Romans 8:28

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace and mercy from Jesus Christ to you.

In Revelation 7 we read that heaven’s praise escalates as a great multitude of believers from every nation, tribe, people and language joyfully worship God and the Lamb. They are identified as believers who came out of the great tribulation. Every creature in heaven and on earth joins in resounding praise. John also described that the Lamb is actually the strong Shepherd of His people. Even though they will suffer on earth, and some will even die as martyrs, all who trust in Christ remain eternally secure in God’s hands. God will keep every promise He has made to His people, including a coming day when all hunger, thirst and pain will be gone forever.

Though the reality of God’s coming judgment can be frightening and though God’s people are not promised escape from pain on earth, the eternal deliverance of every believer remains certain. Because Christ took the judgment on behalf of us, God’s children, we can face eternity with confidence. God guarantees our deliverance from evil and judgment. We can rest safely within our loving Father’s protective care. And through God’s Son Jesus Christ, we have the greatest security— the eternal salvation that He has accomplished for us.