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Friday February 20 - Service with shelter
“...they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple...” Revelation 7:15
The TV cameras pan from one scene to another. First, the great crowd travelling from all over the world to watch the tennis final. Then the focus is on the players – the reason for all this activity and excitement. Next we move to the outdoor space where another crowd is equally engrossed, watching on the large TV screen – and they wave at us. But now it’s back to the spectators around the court!
So, John draws us back to his crowd in white robes waving their palm branches. He reminds us of their privileged position – they are before the throne of God. Amazingly, we too have access to this throne and are encouraged to let God know of our struggles, even failures; our needs and our longings, our concerns for others too (see Hebrews 4:16).
But spectators not only watch, they also add to the intensity of the match. Here, they serve God, through their worship and praise. Clearly, as good servants they are attentive; their commitment and love for God honour him. Of course, they cannot add anything to God’s reality, yet their faithfulness through suffering, their togetherness and their appreciation of all that God has done enrich this vision, that we need to strengthen our faith on earth. But now, their earthly experience over, God shelters them. They are eternally safe.
Sheltering God, thank you that you share all our troubles and difficulties and that you will lead us through them. Amen.
Saturday February 21 - The Lamb and the Shepherd
“For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their Shepherd...”
Revelation 7:17
Remember those children’s toys, ‘Transformers’? Their shape and functions could be manipulated so that they eventually appeared to be completely different.
The Lamb at the centre of the throne is also a ‘Transformer’. First, he is ‘the Lion of the tribe of Judah’ (Revelation 5:5) and as such he can unroll the scroll and initiate the final stage in God’s redemption; throughout he is the powerful and victorious Messiah. He is also “The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) and through his sacrificial death this vast crowd has received complete forgiveness – hence their robes are white, indicating purity.
But this Lamb, who is also the Lion, is now transformed again into their Shepherd! Like the Shepherd of Psalm 23, he ensures that they need fear no evil – their Shepherd will protect them from all harm. But more than this, he will enhance their lives. He will lead them to springs of living water, just as Jesus had promised – safe, refreshing and life-giving.
Of course, like us (but probably more intensely so) those who first heard these words were facing many problems – which might involve persecution, but also oppression and hardship, in their ordinary lives. John wants his readers – then and now – to know that God’s care, and the loving kindness of Jesus the Shepherd, is the truth about life NOW.
Lord Jesus, thank you that you are our Shepherd. Help us today to fear no evil because you are with us (Psalm 23:4). Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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