OUR PRESENT PAIN, BUT GLORIOUS FUTURE

 

I spoke this week to my Jewish brother in Israel. He was our guide in Israel two years ago on a trip there. (We left only 12 days before the horrific attack that started the current war). This dear young man and his wife and three children live in Jerusalem in a Christian community. He knows Christ deeply and walks with Him daily.

But they are in war. He is a reservist in the army and is frequently deployed to Gaza for his duties. For two years, he has been under the intense stress of combat, and he called me in turmoil, asking for prayer and counsel. What a privilege to minister to him and remind him of the sure promises of our Father.

THE PEOPLE

And today, I am reading in my daily study in Revelation 7 and see the vision given to the Apostle John of what is coming in the days ahead, which includes a massive number of the Israelite people who will be saved. A figurative number is given, which represents the completed work of God saving all those who will have come to Christ in faith.

Scholars debate whether this is just Israelites or all who are in God’s kingdom, but it does not matter today, for it includes everyone from “every nation, tribe, people, and tongue standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes” (Rev. 7:9). This number includes my precious Hebrew brother and his wife, and my wife and our children who know the Savior.

THE FUTURE

But listen to what awaits us one day in heaven. The description is real and breathtaking; figurative in some ways, indicating there is more than can be described. My dear brother and I will soon experience the perfections of heaven.

PURITY

They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands (Vs. 9)

They washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, and for this reason they are before the throne of God (Vs. 14-15)

Think of this! All the impurity and sin that clings to us in this life, that we despise and detest, that hurts us and our families and those around us … all will be gone. We will be completely pure and holy. But we will take no personal pride in this holiness because it has all come because of the cleansing of the “blood of the Lamb.”

PRESENCE

For this reason, they are before the throne of God (Vs. 15a)

There could be nothing greater than this position before the throne. John earlier said in this Revelation that we would “see His face,” and this alone will be enough to satisfy us for all eternity, for everything of value flows from His presence. We will have this blessed position because of God’s grace and Christ’s sacrifice.

PURPOSE

… and they serve Him day and night in His temple (Vs. 15b)

There will be no boring days or feelings of hopelessness or despair. Every moment will be filled with the glorious, fulfilling service to our King, just as we were created to do. God made us like He is so we can join Him in what He does. And this will fill our souls for all of eternity with exquisite satisfaction and meaning.

PROTECTION

The one seated on the throne will shelter them. They will no longer hunger; they will no longer thirst; the sun will no longer strike them, nor will any scorching heat. (Vs. 15-16)

Every physical problem that has plagued us will be gone, for we will be in a perfect universe, cared for by a perfect God. Will we want for nothing for every need will be provided.

PERSONAL CARE

For the Lamb who is at the center of the throne will shepherd them. He will guide them to springs of the waters of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Vs. 17)

John makes sure that we understand who is caring for us and how. It is the Great Shepherd and Guardian of our souls. The Lamb slain is also the Shepherd caring. He knows us intimately and cares for us precisely. He guides us perfectly and takes us to springs (plural) that provide waters that bring life.

And one more picture reminds us of the intimate nearness of our Shepherd. He wipes “every tear” from our eyes. Think how close one must be to do this. It is the Husband who wipes away the tears of His Bride; the Father who touches us on our faces and wipes away, not a few tears or occasional tears, but “every” tear. There will be no sorrow unattended, for now all grief and sadness will be gone because we are forever in His place and His presence, safe, satisfied, and secure.

I think of my dear friend in Israel and the pain he and thousands of others are experiencing. I pray for him often. But there is coming a day for all those who trust in Christ, where all of this will end. And all will be forgotten in the glories of eternity.