“For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
~ Revelation 7:17
What a breathtaking picture. In John’s vision, those who have endured suffering and remained faithful stand before the throne of God. And at the center of their comfort is the Lamb, Jesus Himself, who becomes their Shepherd for all eternity.
The roles are flipped: the Lamb, who was slain, is also the Shepherd who leads. And what does He do? He guides His people to springs of living water, a symbol of refreshment, renewal, and eternal life. In Him, all thirst, all weariness, all lack is finally and fully satisfied.
Then comes the tender promise: “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Not just some tears. Not just most of them. Every tear. Every tear shed in pain, grief, sickness, loneliness, or fear will be personally acknowledged and removed by God Himself. This isn’t distant comfort but rather is intimate, close, and permanent.
This verse ties beautifully into the biblical health perspective. In this life, sickness and suffering are realities of a fallen world. But they are temporary. The Great Physician has a final remedy, and it is not just partial healing but complete restoration. In eternity, there will be no more hospitals, no more broken bodies, no more anxious nights. Every symptom of the fall will be gone forever.
Until then, God’s comfort meets us here and now through His Spirit, His Word, and His people. But verses like Revelation 7:17 remind us: even the sweetest comfort on earth is only a foretaste of the eternal comfort awaiting us in God’s presence. That hope changes how we endure trials. We can face suffering with peace, knowing that our tears are temporary and that eternal joy is certain.
And just as always, this comfort is meant to overflow. When we encourage others with the hope of eternal comfort, we lift their eyes from present pain to future glory. From pain births passion not just to endure, but to point others toward the Shepherd who will one day wipe every tear.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that You are both the Lamb who was slain and the Shepherd who leads me to life. Thank You that one day, every tear will be wiped away, and all pain will be gone forever. Help me to live with that hope now, and to share it with others who need Your eternal comfort. Amen.
