The Lamb Feeds Them and Leads Them
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
4/22/2012 PM
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Text:
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Revelation 7:17
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Psalters: |
408, 249, 356, 55 |
- The scary setting.
- This chapter is an interlude between the sixth and seventh seal (8:1).
- John sees ?a great multitude, which no man can number? (9).
- In actual fact God?s people can be numbered and really are by God (II Tim. 2:19).
- The multitude is universal: ?of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues? (9b).
- Though still on the earth, spiritual Israel is assured of victory.
- First, they are pictured as if they are already in heaven.
- They are said to be ?before the Lamb.?
- They are identified as ?clothed with white robes (9), that is, washed ?in the blood of the Lamb? (14).
- They stand with ?palms in their hands? (9, the symbol of celebrating victory).
- And they ?came out of the great tribulation? (14).
- Second, the Lamb of God is their Shepherd for He ?shall feed them, and shall lead them.?
- This promise is because of the promise that He ?shall dwell among them? (15b).
- The Lamb ?shall feed? them with the bread and water of life.
- The Lamb ?shall lead them unto the living fountains of water.?
- The knowledge of the Lamb?s care effectively ?wipes away all tears from their eyes? (cf. Isa. 25:8; Rev. 21:4).
- Those under the care of such a Lamb/Shepherd are active in expressing their gratitude.
- They cry with a loud voice of praise (10).
- They are ?before the throne of God? and ?serve Him day and night? (15).
- This encourages us to look at this Lamb/Shepherd in the darkest hour, and be assured of His care.