Revelation 7:16-17 “’They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.’”

AROUND THE THRONE

In this passage John is being shown those who have gone through the tribulation and are now standing before the throne of God. Can you imagine? No more hunger or thirst, no heat, no cold, no tears! Now, don’t get me wrong. I love to eat and drink. I love summer and winter. Heck, I even like a good cry. But none of these things will be necessary in heaven.

I was in Kenya recently and traveled to an area that is in a severe drought. They hadn’t had rain in several months. I learned to appreciate (once again) the availability of clean water- simple, clean water. At home I turn on the tap and waste it. Not there. Every drop is precious. And in heaven? Well, there will be springs of “the water of life.”

TEACHING MOMENT

How can we help our children under heaven? It is really hard to put in human words. But this verse can help. The next time you sit down to the table to eat, read this verse. Show them that we won’t get hungry or thirsty in heaven. The next time they complain about the weather, show them this verse. We won’t get hot or cold in heaven. Or maybe the next time they get hurt and are crying, read this verse to them. We won’t need to cry in heaven. And if we do, guess who wipes the tears? Yep, God will. Wow! Kids can relate to those things.

It’s hard to imagine heaven, but these images give us a glimpse of what we can look forward to. Will you allow the Lord to show you how to appreciate each of these without making them the center of your life? He can and He will.