Living Water #603

LIVING WATER – EPISODE 603 || 28TH JANUARY, 2026

By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah

THE RADIANCE OF HIS FACE AND THE ETERNITY OF THE SAINTS

Scripture Reading: Revelation 22:4–5

“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”

Yesterday, we stood by the crystal river and marveled at the tree of life, celebrating the total removal of the curse. Today, the vision moves from the provisions of the city to the Person of the city. We transition from what God gives to who God is. In these two verses, we find the climax of the human story: the restoration of sight, the seal of ownership, and the shared throne of eternity.

1. The Beatific Vision: Seeing the Unseen

“They will see his face.” Since the fall of man, the face of God has been the Great Forbidden Joy. Moses was told, "You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live" (Exodus 33:20). Our sin created a veil, and our mortality created a limit. But in the New Jerusalem, the greatest reward is not the golden streets; it is the unveiled presence of God. To see His face is to have every doubt resolved, every longing satisfied, and every question answered. It is the "Beatific Vision"—the highest aim of the soul; where we finally look upon the Beauty that created all other beauties.

2. The Mark of Belonging

“And his name will be on their foreheads.” In the ancient world, a name on the forehead signified ownership and identity. While the world once chased the mark of the beast, the citizens of heaven carry the name of the Father. This is not just a label; it’s a reflection. It means that His character has finally been perfectly imprinted upon our minds. Our thoughts, our will, and our very essence will finally be in total alignment with His. We will no longer struggle to "be holy," for we will be sealed in His holiness forever.

3. The End of Shadows

“There will be no more night... for the Lord God will give them light.” Night is often the biblical metaphor for fear, uncertainty, and the unknown. On earth, we rely on "lamps" (human ingenuity) and the "sun" (natural provision). But in eternity, these intermediaries are obsolete. When you are standing in the center of the Sun, you do not need a candle. God Himself becomes our environment. This signifies a state of perpetual clarity. There are no "dark nights of the soul" in the New Jerusalem because the source of our joy never sets and never flickers.

4. The Eternal Regency

“And they will reign for ever and ever.” This is the ultimate reversal of the human condition. We began as stewards in a garden, became slaves to sin, and end as kings in a city. Notice we will reign for ever: This speaks of authority, creativity, and purpose. Our eternal life is not a boring cloud-bound existence; it is a dynamic participation in God’s governance of the new creation. The "small flock" has been given the Kingdom, and that Kingdom has no end date.

Living as a Child of the Light

Revelation 22:4–5 challenges us: If we are going to see His face then, we must seek His face now. If His name is to be on our foreheads then, His Word must be in our minds now. We are not just waiting for a destination; we are practicing for a Presence.

The darkness of this current world: the "nights" of sickness, grief, and confusion—is temporary. Do not let the shadows of the present blind you to the radiance of your future. We are a people of the Dawn, destined not for the grave, but for the Throne.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the promise that I shall one day see Your face. Forgive me for the times I have sought comfort in the "lamps" of this world rather than the light of Your presence. Set Your name as a seal upon my heart and mind today. Let the hope of my future reign with You, give me the strength to overcome my current trials. Shine Your light through me into the dark corners of this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen