July 3: THE SHEPHERD IS THE LAMB; THE LAMB IS THE SHEPHERD
They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:16-17
These closing verses of chapter 7 provide a comprehensive view of the divine purpose for God’s people to understand and claim, even as this world under Satan’s sway threatens to undo us. In the last days, we will see every extreme of godlessness playing out, even as those who are committed to honor the Lord are soon to be specifically targeted for suffering. The prophet Isaiah experienced the protection of the Lord’s presence in the midst of being mistreated by his own people. He cherished the promises of God, drawing great comfort from them. The Promise Maker, in His impeccable trustworthiness, expressed: They shall neither hunger nor thirst, neither heat nor sun shall strike them; For He who has mercy on them will lead them, even by springs of water He will guide them. (Isaiah 49:10) Indeed, our Shepherd will shelter His people through the tribulation just ahead.
The over-arching job description of a shepherd is one of constant care. He has the enormous responsibility of keeping his flock fed, watered, protected from the elements, and protected from predators. This hard work was distained by ‘refined society’ and shepherds were considered the lowest of the low. But, oh, how our Lord loves to identify Himself as a Shepherd! And how precious that the first to be given the news of His birth were lowly shepherds!
Do you hunger and thirst for a close relationship with the most merciful and compassionate Friend? Do you find yourself in a pit of suffering? Perhaps you have been mistreated by others, or maybe you are in a pit of your own making. Beloved, you can be absolutely certain that He delights in lifting His creatures out of danger and setting them upon solid ground. In the realities of the spiritual realm, the “elements” are synonymous with the “predators”. Ask Him to raise your view from your surroundings to His face. When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” (Psalm 27:8)
The Lamb who is in the midst of the throne chose to subject Himself to the worst of spiritual elements and predators. He came through it all victoriously, but not for Himself (Daniel 9:26). He wants that same victory for you, His beloved. Isaiah wrote these memorable words of the Lord to point out that we are all on His mind: “I will not forget you. See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.” (Isaiah 49:15b-16a) Indeed, He who died and was resurrected on our behalf kept His wounds.
Today, one in three people do not have access to clean drinking water. Though there are Christians working to bring relief, the overall situation is steadily worsening. The glorious fulfillment of Jesus’s promise to the Samaritan woman at the well takes on a profound depth of meaning: “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14
And it is He who will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Hear these words from His first sermon:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6