The Lamb Feeds Them and Leads Them

Minister:
Date: PM
Text: Revelation 7:17
Psalters: 408, 249, 356, 55
  1. The scary setting.
    1. This chapter is an interlude between the sixth and seventh seal (8:1).
    1. John sees ?a great multitude, which no man can number? (9).
      1. In actual fact God?s people can be numbered and really are by God (II Tim. 2:19).
      2. The multitude is universal: ?of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues? (9b).
  2. Though still on the earth, spiritual Israel is assured of victory.
    1. First, they are pictured as if they are already in heaven.
      1. They are said to be ?before the Lamb.?
      2. They are identified as ?clothed with white robes (9), that is, washed ?in the blood of the Lamb? (14).
      3. They stand with ?palms in their hands? (9, the symbol of celebrating victory).
      4. And they ?came out of the great tribulation? (14).
    2. Second, the Lamb of God is their Shepherd for He ?shall feed them, and shall lead them.?
      1. This promise is because of the promise that He ?shall dwell among them? (15b).
      2. The Lamb ?shall feed? them with the bread and water of life.
      3. The Lamb ?shall lead them unto the living fountains of water.?
      4. The knowledge of the Lamb?s care effectively ?wipes away all tears from their eyes? (cf. Isa. 25:8; Rev. 21:4).
  3. Those under the care of such a Lamb/Shepherd are active in expressing their gratitude.
    1. They cry with a loud voice of praise (10).
    2. They are ?before the throne of God? and ?serve Him day and night? (15).
    3. This encourages us to look at this Lamb/Shepherd in the darkest hour, and be assured of His care.