OUR BLESSED HOPE!

Whatever problems you have had in your past, or struggles you have in the present, know this—a child of God has a glorious future—our blessed hope!  We see this in Revelation 7. Specifically, I understand these verses point to those who come to Christ in the future Great Tribulation, but spiritually these promises apply to all God’s people. 

There is the promise of SALVATION, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb,” (v. 14). Apart from Christ, there is no hope. We cannot wash away the stain of our sins by the sprinkling of water, or the sacraments we observe, or the self-effort in religion we exert. Only the blood of Christ can cleanse us. Yet, Hallelujah, His blood does wash us, and we shall stand before a Holy God in white robes!

Further, we find the promise of SERVICE, “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them,” (v. 15).  When I was a child and heard preachers speak of Heaven, it seemed that all we would do is float around on a cloud, strumming a harp, and that seemed rather boring. Yet, heaven will be a place where we will employ the gifts God has given us, unencumbered by the toil and travail of thorns and thistles. It will be service without sweat! 

The promise of SATISFACTION, “They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat,” (v. 16).  This world is under the curse of sin, and so there is hunger, thirst, and  a scorching sun—paradise has become more like perdition. Nothing this world offers brings lasting satisfaction. Yet, there is coming a day when the curse is reversed. God’s people will be blessed with continual provision, and thus perpetual satisfaction!

The promise of SERENITY“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.” (v. 17‬‬). What a beautiful picture of peace! These words remind us of Psalm 23, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” (v. 1-2).

In this fallen creation, we sometimes enjoy an oasis in the desert, but before long we find ourselves once more in the valley of the shadow of death. The tears flow like a river as we face the death of loved ones, and our own demise. Heartaches and disappointments abound. Yet, our hope is in knowing that God will personally wipe away our tears when we reach the glory of eternity! Suffering and sorrow will be supplanted by serenity!

What a blessed hope!  Press on weary pilgrim; the Celestial City awaits! “And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever,” (Ps. 23:6b).