Chapter 1 · Encounter 12 of 48
Where the Shepherd Leads
Prepare
We began this chapter listening to Jesus describe himself as the Good Shepherd. Along the way, we've encountered the God who knows his sheep, seeks the wandering, remains faithful through danger, and gives himself for those he loves.
Now Revelation offers a remarkable final picture: the Lamb standing at the center of God's throne, shepherding his people into the fullness of life with God. As you read, notice how this vision gathers together images and promises you've encountered throughout the chapter.
Read Scripture
Open each passage here without leaving this Encounter.
Revelation 7:9-17
The Great Multitude in White Robes
9After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”
11All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12saying:
“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”
13Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”
14I answered, “Sir, you know.”
And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore,
“they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
will shelter them with his presence.
16‘Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
nor any scorching heat.
17For 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.’”
Psalm 23
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Ponder
- Look at the promises in Revelation 7:15-17and compare them with Psalm 23
Revelation 7:15-17
15Therefore,
“they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
will shelter them with his presence.
16‘Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
nor any scorching heat.
17For 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.’”
. What connections do you notice between these passages? How does John's vision enlarge the picture of the Shepherd and his care that you encountered earlier in the chapter?Psalm 23
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
- Think back over the Shepherd you've come to know through these encounters. Which aspect of his character has most challenged, surprised, or deepened your understanding of God? How might knowing him in this way change how you recognize his voice, trust his heart, or follow his ways?
Look Again
Did you catch the surprising reversal in Revelation 7:17 17For 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
Earlier in this chapter, Jesus described himself as the Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. Now John sees the Lamb at the center of God's throne, leading his people to springs of living water.
And notice the final promise: God will wipe away every tear.
The Shepherd's care reaches beyond our present circumstances toward the restoration of all things. Return to Psalm 23:6 6Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.Psalm 23:6
Practice
Take a few quiet minutes to revisit the Scriptures you've encountered throughout this chapter.
Choose one image or description of the Shepherd that has become especially meaningful to you. Write it down or mark it in your Bible.
Over the next several days, return to that passage. Let it become a familiar place where you continue learning to recognize the Shepherd's character and ways.
Prayer
Thank Jesus for what you've discovered about him through these encounters. Speak with him about where your understanding of God has been challenged or deepened. Ask him to continue forming you into someone who recognizes his voice, trusts his heart, and follows his ways.