by Richelle Hecker

His compassion heals us.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link

When I consider God and His holiness, certain images come to mind. I see Him on His throne in His holy temple and know I would fall on my face before Him and tremble with fear. The light would be blinding and perhaps even a loud deep sound of rumbling would reverberate from everywhere. There are plenty of scriptures that help to paint this picture, from Moses needing to be hidden in the cleft of a rock just to see the back of God to Saul being struck blind on the road when the risen Christ spoke to him.

However, this is not the image God offers us here in Revelation. This picture is completely different.

“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ ”
Revelation 7:17 New International Version

At the center of the throne is the Lamb, reminding us of the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for us. He became the required sacrificial lamb, prepared for us by the Father to cover our sin because no other sacrifice would save us. So we begin this passage by remembering that He died for us. Next we are told that this Lamb is also our Shepherd. He protects us, heals us, and leads us to the springs of living water. This water does not simply quench our thirst for a time, but quenches thirst for eternity.

The last image in this short passage is the one that resonates with me the most. Picturing the Almighty Creator of all things gently wiping away all our tears.

I love my children deeply, but although I am able to wipe their tears away I am incapable of keeping them from returning. I cannot make them well when they are sick. In many ways, even as a parent, I am just as helpless as they are.

Jesus does it all. This incredible example of His holiness teaches us that He has power over sin, death, and every single tear in-between. He reigns with both strength and compassion. Praise the Lord!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado