The Inspiration Comes from the Results

There were no musicians in his family. Yet he became an accomplished, organist and harpsichord list, as well as a student of violin and oboe. He gave up a career in a church to go to Hamburg, the center of German opera. He then composed his first opera, at the age of 19. He was not what many would call well-adjusted. In fact, he went through severe physical and emotional difficulties. At various times, the English establishment severely criticized him for his artistic output; some considered it profane. For example, his most famous composition, was enthusiastically received, following its premier in Dublin, while it became the subject of great controversy, following its London debut.

Who was this person? His name was George Frederick Handel. Handel wrote The Messiah during a bleak time in his life; his finances were at a low point, and his health was poor. He had suffered a stroke, and was troubled by rheumatism, insomnia, and depression. When he received the libretto for Messiah, written by Charles Jennen, the words so inspired him that he wrote the music in just 24 days.

It was a hugely successful premier. It was reported that King George II, who was in the audience, rose to his feet, at the close of the “Hallelujah Chorus,“ and the rest of the audience joined him. Thus, the tradition continues even today when any group performs the “Hallelujah Chorus.“ This work continues to be in demand, especially for benefit performances. In fact, it was The Messiah that Handel conducted in his own last public performance, just eight days before his death in London in 1759.

Many of you probably recognize that one key phrase throughout the “Hallelujah, Chorus“ is found in the last part of Revelation 11:15.

I would like to suggest that for the Christian, Our motivation for praise to God today, is based upon what happens in the end.

Praise God for the Transition.

Revelation 11:15 (NASB95)

Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.”

At this point, we realize that John is coming to the end of the trumpet judgments. When the seventh trumpet sounds, the finality of the judgments upon unbelievers will commence. Plus, this announces the beginning of Christ’s reign as King. Even though the trumpet happens in verse 15, we don’t read about the judgments until chapter 15. Thus, chapters 12-14 take us all back a different way to see the Tribulation from Satan’s perspective.

With the sounding of the seventh angel, John hears loud voices, who are making one of the most wonderful proclamations ever to fall upon the ears of the saved. “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ; and he will reign forever and ever.“

There are a couple of details which I want to highlight from this glorious statement. The kingdom of the world is that which has been opposing Christ and God‘s ways ever since sin entered the world through Adam. This world does not really consist of multiple kingdoms. The kingdom of this world is under Satan’s leadership. For all practical purposes, it probably has seemed as if God chose to disappear, while this world got increasingly worse. The rulers of this world are Satan; joined by the beast and the false prophet.

Yet, as E.V. Hill so eloquently stated in a sermon many years ago, while preaching on the crucifixion of Christ, “Friday was a dark, lonely day. But praise God! Sunday’s a’coming.“

This is why the voices shouted out that this world, with its temporal outlook, is about to come under the absolute authority of the eternal God. This world, which contains philosophies, which would deny the Lord, is about to experience a takeover, such as never been seen. Actually, we could call this a take-back. In fact, it is so certain, the Greek uses a form of the verb, which looks forward in a futuristic way, with the idea that it is already an accomplished fact.

No longer will wicked and evil prevail. God‘s righteousness and holiness will be the order of the day. The Bible reminds us that our Lord is indeed, the victor; not just temporarily, but eternally.

So, the announcement is now given. Yet, the enemy will still have his stranglehold until the time when Christ actually returns, as seen in chapter 19.

My friends, we need to praise God, even in the midst of the battle. We may not feel like praising him, especially when everything seems to be turned upside down in our lives. Yet, based upon what happens in the end, we are motivated to praise God. The world may be crashing down around us; yet, we know that Christ will reign forever and ever.

Praise God in Thanksgiving.

Revelation 11:16–18 (NASB95)

And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, “We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. “And the nations were enraged, and Your wrath came, and the time came for the dead to be judged, and the time to reward Your bond-servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, the small and the great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”

It is at this point, in which we see the 24 elders introduced again. We recall that these 24 elders probably represent the raptured Church. Because of what the voices had proclaimed regarding the Father and Son reigning eternally, these elders worshiped. We noticed that they had been seated. Now we see that the joy that fills them, causes them to get up and lay facedown before God and worship.

What is involved in their worship? They are thankful. They are thankful to the one, and only, true God. They recognize that the Lord God Almighty has existed forever and continues to exist. They praise God with thanksgiving, for the fact that God has finally acted by using His incredible power. No longer is God holding back in His patience. No longer will God allows Satan to promote and enable people to act wickedly. These 24 elders thank the Lord, for the fact that He is now reigning. This is even though He has not officially established His reign. You see, there is still more to be done.

This millennial reign for which we are looking, will officially take place later, as seen in chapter 20. However, the reality is that he has begun to reign. Remember the last section stated that “he will reign.“ This lets us know that there is a progression. It is something which is beginning to start, and will be completely enacted.

In review of their praise, we see them focusing on specific attributes of God. Almighty describes God’s omnipotence. Who are and Who were describes God as being without beginning or end; God is eternal. You have taken reminds us of God’s sovereignty, in which nothing or nobody can usurp.

We read that all the nations were angry and upset, were enraged, with God and thought they could do as they wished. That is going to cease, because God’s righteous anger and wrath are about to be fully unleashed.

Those who had believed the lie that once a person was dead, they were untouchable, were about to find out otherwise. The dead are going to be judged, which we will see in 20:11-15. The prophets were finally going to receive their reward for their faithfulness in ministry. This includes the saints, or the church, and all who love God and who have proclaimed the Gospel. We will read about this in 21:1-4; 22:3-5. It does not matter what level of prestige or earthly visibility one has. God will reward all those who follow Him. He will also destroy those who are bent on destroying the world in which He created, as we will read in chapters 19:2, 11; 20:10.

How can we praise God today based upon what happens in the end? We must take time to reflect that in this world of uncertainty and confusion, our Lord is eternal and constant. When we feel powerless, we need to remember that our Lord is all powerful. When we feel like falling down in defeat, we know that we can rise in victory, because our Lord will reign eternally. When it seems as if the wicked prosper and prevail, we must remember that there will be a day of reckoning. The wicked will indeed receive their reward. We, who, love the Lord, will receive our reward, as well.

It is a bit easier to have motivation for praise to God today, if it is based upon what happens in the end.

Praise God in His Temple.

Revelation 11:19 (NASB95)

And the temple of God which is in heaven was opened; and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple, and there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder and an earthquake and a great hailstorm.

Here we see John getting a wonderful glimpse into God’s temple as it is opened. Inside the temple, John was able to see the Ark of the Covenant. In the Old Testament, Moses was to have made the Ark of the Covenant as a chest. It belonged in the Holy of Holies in the sanctuary. Inside the Ark of the Covenant, were the two tablets which contained the 10 Commandments. This was a constant reminder of God‘s covenant of redemption with Israel, according to Exodus 34:28–29. More than likely, the Babylonians destroyed this Ark when Nebuchadnezzar razed and burned the temple in 586 B.C.

However, here we are told that this Ark is in a heavenly temple. The redemption, which we now understand, has been realized in the New Covenant, established by Christ’s death. Just as the old Ark of the Covenant could only be accessed by the high priest, it is the same now. To experience redemption, our high priest, Jesus Christ, has made the way accessible. There is also the constant reminder by this Ark seen in Revelation, that God is faithful to His people.

However, things on this earth will be getting even worse, before the final curtain is drawn. The previous judgments were bad, yet compared to what’s coming, they were somewhat tolerable. The bowl judgments are going to come with such incredible destruction, the world will not be able to withstand it. To show just how terrifying these judgments are going to be, John hears the warnings of judgment. It was not just lightning and thunder, but “flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder.“ In addition, there will be a great hail storm.

The whole world ought to be trembling at this point. For there is no longer any waiting period. The patience of the Lord Almighty is complete. Judgment is due.

My friends, the only way for anyone to praise God in His temple, is to have access to it. The only way to have access is to come by means of the blood of Jesus Christ. We can praise God together for the reality of the New Covenant that the blood of Christ gives. Praise God that Jesus forgives our sins. Praise God that those of us who have trusted Him as Savior and Lord, will one day be with Him forever.

Another reminder for us is the reality of our Lord‘s faithfulness. His Holy Spirit resides in us, reminding us continually that we are His. He reminds us that He will never leave us, nor forsake us.

Truly, Our motivation for praise to God today is based upon what happens in the end.

Conclusion

I read a limerick sometime back, which Robert Bork wrote. He was a judge and former nominee for the Supreme Court.

“God‘s plan made a hopeful beginning,

But man spoiled his chances by sinning.

We trust that the story

Will end with God’s glory.

But at present, the other side’s winning.“

Yes, we would agree that at this moment, it looks as if the other side is winning. It looks as though the dark side is heading to victory. But don’t believe what you think is happening, based upon outward observation. The reality, is that you and I can praise God today, based upon what happens in the end. “And he shall reign forever and ever.“