Provisions for the Redeemed

KEY VERSE: “The Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” —Revelation 7:17

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Revelation 7:1-4, 9, 10, 13-17

HERE the loving care of our Lord is described as being directed toward a specific group of people referred to as a “great multitude.” We are not told how many constituted this crowd; on the contrary, it is said that no man could number it. This does not necessarily imply that it was too large to number, but rather that no set number had been designated.

The expression, “great multitude,” or “great company” is used in other instances in the Bible record, and usually relates to an undetermined number of people in a group situation. It is found in John 6:5 where, five verses following, it states that the number of people in that great multitude was about five thousand. Acts 6:7 refers to a great company of priests who associated themselves with the disciples in Jerusalem. Obviously, by numeric count these would not have been a very large group—certainly not even five thousand.

The fact that those mentioned in our key text were from “all nations and kindreds, and people, and tongues” (vs. 9), indicates they were a product of the call of this Gospel Age. This same expanse of earth’s population is mentioned in Revelation 5:9 as the source from which God selects those who are to reign as kings and priests in Christ’s kingdom. In the context of our scripture, the Great Company class are revealed in their resurrection, not to possess rulership, but rather they occupy a position before the throne. But happily, though failing in their specific calling, they recognize that the Heavenly Father has wonderfully provided a special spiritual salvation for them. Thus they cry “with a loud voice saying, Salvation to our God.”—Rev. 7:10

Verse fourteen explains why this special provision of life was made. Having received the life benefits of the ransom in this age, they properly had offered up their justified human life in sacrifice for the reward of the divine nature, to share in the kingdom reign with our Lord.

Having failed of attainment to this one hope of the high calling, these nevertheless are greatly loved by God and are given wonderful blessings of lesser service in his kingdom arrangements, serving God “day and night in his temple.” (vs. 15) Though not serving in a ruling capacity, their service will be related, however, to the recovery of the world of mankind. This was their heart’s desire at the time they accepted the calling of God.

Verses sixteen and seventeen so well describe in symbol our Lord’s great love for them. Everlasting provisions of life and happiness will be theirs in close association with our Lord Jesus and his church in their heavenly and earthly interests.

These verses also mention that “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” (vs. 17) This seems to suggest a certain amount of initial disappointment, in not having lived up to the fullest privileges of Christian sacrifice, but God does not intend that this should be lasting. They were victorious over sin, and the unrighteous spirit of this world and the Adversary.

White robes represent purity, and in the symbolism of Revelation were worn by those depicted in a resurrection condition. Palm branches were held in olden times as a symbol of victory.—vss. 9,13

What a God of goodness and mercy we have, that the Great Company should be heralded in this way!

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