Heaven Rejoices
Opening Prayer
Lord, I want each day in Your Word to be special. Prepare me now to read, learn and obey it.
Read REVELATION 19:1-10
[1] After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, [2] for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” [3] And again they shouted: “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.” [4] The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: “Amen, Hallelujah!” [5] Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!” [6] Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. [7] Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. [8] Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) [9] Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” [10] At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What reasons for praising God do you see here?It has been said that all great drama ends with either a death or a wedding. Shakespeare’s great tragedies, such as Macbeth or Romeo and Juliet, end with the death of the protagonists. Comedies, the old rule says, must end with a wedding. Here, we get both.
First, the hosts of heaven are commanded to rejoice over Babylon (18:20). No mourning is heard, just repeated “Hallelujahs.” It’s right that we celebrate when justice is done. Heaven does; so should we!
Then, the volume is turned up a notch (6) for a much greater triumph: now in celebration of the redeemed bride and her groom. Everybody stands as the newlyweds burst through the door and declare the feast begun. Do you find it curious that the name our great Bridegroom chooses to retain is neither “King” nor “Lord,” but “Lamb” (7)? I do. It doesn’t seem very manly to be thought of as a lamb on your wedding day! It’s a sign, surely, of Jesus’ great humility (see Phil. 2:5-11), and that he would always have us remember his sacrifice and the cost he was willing to pay for us, his bride.
Apply
Did you struggle with rejoicing over the destruction of an evil city? Ask him to help you see it with heaven’s eyes.
Closing prayer
Lord, I thank You that goodness and justice will triumph over evil in the end because of who You are.
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