"For ALL the saints..."

"They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

(Revelation 7:16-17)

Yesterday was All Saints' Sunday. At Palmdale UMC we had a short time of remembrance (I tied it in with the children's time). It's a powerful thing to show the names and faces of people we've lived with and loved... who have also died in the past year. We rang our memorial bell and paused after each name was read aloud. "For all the saints..." sings the famous hymn.

Revelation 7 speaks of the saints. Those "robed in white" who have gone before. "A great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages..." And they're all standing before the throne of God, singing and worshiping.

Later, the author of Revelation comments how all their struggle and suffering is over. Whatever they had to endure on this earth has ended. And at the center of it all is "the Lamb," Jesus. Jesus has a number of nicknames, including "the lion of the tribe of Judah." But here he is "the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." And this lamb is actually a SHEPHERD (how ironic!). Who will guide the saints to "springs of the water of life." Eternal life. LIFE EVERLASTING!

It's so hard losing loved ones and friends. The pain of their passing stays with us. But what a comfort to know that they are under the watchful care of the Great Shepherd. Thank you, God for ALL the saints... who now from their labors rest. Amen.