Revelation 7:15-17
Thoughts from Suart Poteet
Dive Deeper
“For this reason, they are before the throne of God, and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. 16They will no longer hunger nor thirst, nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any scorching heat; 17for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
Revelation 7:15-17
Behind the Scenes
What a beautiful picture! This prophecy was written about the end times, after a time of great tribulation. It refers to those who will stand firm through the tribulation, not wavering under the pressure of the world or the threat of death. They will be washed white as snow and the Lord, their Shepherd, will lead them to springs of living water.
This passage links us back to the verses we read on Monday this week (Psalm 23) where we see our Savior as the Good Shepherd who leads us to green pastures and beside still waters. Do you see the same symbolism here? Jesus is the Good Shepherd and it is by His hand that we are led from the valley of shadow and death, through tribulation and pain, and to the living water.
But that reference to living water is important too! Because what did Jesus tell the woman at the well in John 4? He told her that He was the source of living water that would bubble up inside her and lead to eternal life. In John 7:38, Jesus repeats this truth and says, “The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.”
So, we see here that not only is Jesus the Good Shepherd that leads us to living waters, but He is also the source of that living water. And this promise is not just for those who will endure the tribulation, but for every believer who puts their faith and trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Make it Real
I don’t know about you, but I can be really stubborn and independent at times. At my core, I like to be in control and I hate asking for help. My pride and self-centeredness keep me from seeing my need for Christ and the need for His perfect provision at times. I ruffle at the insinuation that I am a sheep needing a leader and needing a provider.
But over the years I have had to come face to face with my sheer inadequacy. I’ve had to stare my weakness in the face and acknowledge my limitations. God has been so gracious and good to gently woo me and teach me. But it hasn’t been easy and it hasn’t been comfortable. And as much as I wish I could say I have arrived at a perfected mindset with a clear view of who I am in comparison to Christ, I know there are still so many lessons to learn.
But the more I am learning about how much I need Jesus, the more I am eager to learn. Because it’s through these lessons, these surrenderings, that I have become the best version of myself. As I have let go of my pride and let Christ in more, the living water that He speaks of has begun to bubble up. The more I have let Him lead me to His stream of life, the more alive I have become.
Maybe you are like me and struggle to let go of control. Maybe the idea of needing anything beyond yourself ruffles your feathers too. Or maybe you have come face to face with your need and just don’t know how to find what you need. Maybe you have been told that you don’t deserve to be saved, or that you aren’t good enough to come to the stream. Maybe the lies of your past or the hurt you’ve felt are standing between you and God.
Wherever you are today as you read these words, can I just invite you to be led? Can I invite you to let go of whatever lies, pride, beliefs, fears, or hesitations are standing between you and Christ, and just be led. Let Him take hold of you, protect you, love you, and draw you to His living waters that never run dry. Empty yourself at His feet so that He can fill you to overflowing with His living waters. And I promise you, from my own experience, once you do, you will never regret it or ever want to go back. Because this water is better than you can ever imagine!
Crystal Garnett
ACF Digital Discipleship Pastor
End in Prayer
Lord,
I’m so tired. I’ve been trying to do this on my own and it’s just left me tired and thirsty. Would You please fill me with Your waters that never run dry? Would You please lead me to Your streams of life? Guide me today, Lord. Help me to surrender to Your gentle hand in my life. I want to let go of control, but I’m not even sure how. Help me to learn what this looks like.
In the name of Jesus Christ
Amen