Revelation 19:1-10
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Friends, if you’re able would you stand as we we read Revelation 19:1-10
After this I heard something like the loud voice of a vast multitude in heaven, saying,
Hallelujah! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God, because his judgments are true and righteous, because he has judged the notorious prostitute who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality; and he has avenged the blood of his servants that was on her hands.
A second time they said, Hallelujah! Her smoke ascends forever and ever!
Then the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who is seated on the throne, saying,
Amen! Hallelujah! A voice came from the throne, saying, Praise our God, all his servants, and the ones who fear him, both small and great!
Then I heard something like the voice of a vast multitude, like the sound of cascading waters, and like the rumbling of loud thunder, saying, “Hallelujah, because our Lord God, the Almighty, reigns! Let us be glad, rejoice, and give him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has prepared herself. She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure.” For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.
Then he said to me, “Write: Blessed are those invited to the marriage feast of the Lamb!” He also said to me, “These words of God are true.” Then I fell at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers and sisters who hold firmly to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, because the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Pray with me. Go ahead and have a seat.
Imagine with me a young man, who dealing with laziness, maybe idleness and just feeling unwell. He’s just a bit down in the dumps. He has a friend however - who just seems healthier. The friend is fitter, sleeps well, and seems motivated, and even tempered. Our young man asks his friend what’s his secret is, and the friend answers it’s no secret - he’s a runner. Running and physical fitness and caused a whole slew of benefits in his life.
The you man then decides he then wants to be a runner, wants to be a good runner - and it seems like he goes all in. He commits on the spot to be a runner. And starts talking to everyone about his decision to be a runner.
Now our young man has never ran before and doesn’t know how to get on with it. So he studies his friend. He takes note on his wardrobe - and goes out and buys several pairs of expensive running shoes. He goes and buys shorts (like the shockingly short runners shorts, you know the ones). He buys a a hat, glasses, a fitness tracker adorns his wrist. He joined running clubs. He joined facebook groups dedicated to runners and their plans.
Weeks go buy and he’s dressing like a runner like every day. He spends his time reading and studying running forms. He stretches. He sets goals. And he won’t stop talking about running.
But after some time, something seems off to him, he decided to be a runner, but he still feels lazy, idle, unwell - unfit.
At that moment, he saw his friend out on a run, and he got out of us his house to stop his friend and asks: “What’s wrong with me? I made a decision, I bought the stuff, I dress like a runner. I’ve studied. I’ve joined the groups, I’ve made time for runs in my schedule. - why don’t i feel like a runner? Why do I still feel off?”
His friend looked at him and considered for a moment, and asked: “Well… have you ever actually gone out and run?”
The young man shook his head and looked down.
His friend continued: “Well, until you actually start running, you won’t enjoy it’s benefits, and you’ll never actually be a runner. What makes someone a runner is running - not how they dress, not what they read, not because they decided to run - but by actually getting off the couch and running.”
Friends, in Revelation since the beginning Chapters of the letters to the seven churches, it has been revealed that there were some in the churches, who dressed like believers, attended church, called themselves believers - but were not keeping in step with the Word of God, were committing Idolatry, sexual immorality to try and gain the benefits of the empire and also of God, their actions revealing their unregenerate hearts - and from the beginning of the book, Christ has been calling the churches to holiness and repentance. Or else he would remove their lampstand.
There are many who have claimed to be Christians - but haven’t gotten of the couch to run after him. Our actions reveal much about our interior. Jesus said it this way. Matthew 7:16-23
You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’ Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’
These are heavy verses - but as we get into Revelation 19 the consummation of all things begins - and a heavenly chorus sings - and guests for the marriage feast for the lamb arrive. As we work though these 10 verses, we will see Jesus words played out for us.
Let’s turn now to Revelation 19:1, let me read the first part of verse 1 for us
After this I heard something like the loud voice of a vast multitude in heaven
John is taking what he has seen in Revelation 18, and revealing what happened next - and it is very linked to the fall of Babylon.
He hears the great multitude, who we were introduced to in Revelation 7, a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number who were before the throne - they represent the people of God, redeemed by Christ throughout the ages.
He hears them now after the fall of Babylon and they are praising God. Let’s read their praise, 1band2
Hallelujah! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God, because his judgments are true and righteous, because he has judged the notorious prostitute who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality; and he has avenged the blood of his servants that was on her hands.
They bring their praise - and start by saying Hallelujah - which is a Hebrew way of saying Praise Yahweh. When we say that - that’s what that means - Praise Yahweh, Praise God.
Their praise is all about God, his attributes, and what he’s done. His Salvation, His glory and His power - They are his.
His justice and judgements are true and right - and that was demonstrated by the destruction and judgement by the satanic empire of Babylon, which is Johns Scheme is also Rome - but also all corrupt nations, systems, and the like. She was cunning - and a prostitute - who corrupts by her immorality.
And he has avenged the persecuted through his perfect justice.
Those who were faithful and suffered on behalf of Christ have been seen, and avenged.
The people of God around the throne ascribe praise to God because of who he is and what he does.
The prise continues, verse 3
A second time they said, “Hallelujah! Her smoke ascends forever and ever!”
Praise God! She will never recover. The satanic empire is crushed forever and ever. Sin and death defeated FOREVER
And as the people of God cry out, so now the elders and creatures around the throne - and they respond verse 4
Then the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who is seated on the throne, saying, “Amen! Hallelujah!”
Next a voice from the throne - perhaps some say the voice of Christ, some say it’s an angelic voice from around the throne - but listen to the command: verse 5
A voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all his servants, and the ones who fear him, both small and great!”
This is a command to praise - anyone who is his servant, who fear and revere and worship - praise him EVERYONE.
And then the multitude responds. Verse 6
Then I heard something like the voice of a vast multitude, like the sound of cascading waters, and like the rumbling of loud thunder, saying, “Hallelujah, because our Lord God, the Almighty, reigns!”
So many cry out that it is an overwhelming sound like a cascading water, like a water fall, like the rumble of thunder that shakes the house,
and they declare the familiar phrase: “Hallelujah, because our lord god almighty reigns!”
They are Praising God BECAUSE he reigns. Worship pours out simply because he is worthy of worship.
*take a beat. A lot of times our worship, our songs even our prayers, are all based around our experience and how God provides for us. And this is good - it is good to worship God out of thanksgiving. It’s right to thank him for salvation and provision. Notice here, however, that the worship of the multitude is all about God and who he is and his actions - separate from how it impacts any singular person. (he’s right and true, he’s just, he reigns over all). That’s all just about God.
There is nothing wrong with praise birthed out of thanksgiving in what he has done in our lives - That is always good and right.
But, Praise and Worship and Acclaiming God for just who he is and what he’s like isn’t as common - but deeply biblical and necessary in our walks. Even most worship songs are generally based off of personal experience. We need to step back, often, and praise him simply because of who he is, and what he is like, and what he does.
God is Mighty. He is the creator. He is compassionate and kind. He is eternal. He is magnificent and wonderful and beautiful. When was the last time, we like the multitude in heaven JUST praised God because of who he is?
Regardless of circumstance. Regardless of our own disposition. Regardless of wherever, whoever we are and whatever we are going through - God is worth of ALL praise. Remember in the narrative of Revelation - why are there so many saints before the throne? Is it because they found a ladder to climb there? Were they taken up in a whirlwind? No! They are there because they were persecuted! They are there as faithful even unto death. They followed the slain lamb - picked up their crosses, and endured much. And they are not in heaven moping and pouting - they are rejoicing! Not because the persecution was good, but because GOD IS GOOD.
Heaven rejoices, the people of God rejoice, simply because God is who he is. We would be wise to learn from that example.
Now the text moves forward even closer to the end, let’s read the back part of the multitudes’ praise for a great event is about to begin. Verses 7-8
“Let us be glad, rejoice, and give him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has prepared herself. She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure.”
For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.
What a rich couple of verses - and this has it’s origins in the old testament covenant of God and Israel. After the exodus of the israelites out of Egypt, they came to Mt Sinai for an extended time. And it was at Sinai that Moses was with God and they received the law. And it was a covenant agreement between God and Israel, and in many ways was dripping with the imagery of a marriage. There was a covenantal love that was established. There were vows made.
And Israel was unfaithful - but God was faithful. And he prepared not just a passover lamb to take away the sins of the people of God, but a bride-groom. Who would go and visit the runaway bride, redeem her, buy here with a price - and then go prepare a place for her.
Friends - the church is the bride of Christ. He has gone ahead to prepare the way - and when he comes back there will be a wedding feast - a celebration and we are joined with him.
This is saying that the marriage of the lamb has come. The Bride-groom is coming back. It’s time to feast and rejoice.
Who is the bride? The Church - all those who in Christ are born-again and redeemed.
It’s striking to me that Babylon (thus the sin in the world) were called a great prostitute - where the holy people of God are called a bride.
Where the relationship with the world and Babylon and Satan is transactional, and about pleasure, and lust, yet comes with all sorts of consequences and is just temporary,
The relationship between Christ and his church is to be like a perfect and holy marriage. Covenant love, cherishing, protecting, faithful. through thick and thin, sickness and in health. Its a relationship based on sacrificial love.
And many struggle with the concept of being faithful in a marriage - why?
Well because in this instance - with Babylon there is instant gratification. She's a prostitutes - you can have what you want, when you want it - though it will cost you. Our world is just ruled and permeated with this kind of sexuality and relational dynamics. Porn and affairs and fantasies are the norm - and our friendships tend to be superficial and more about what we can get out of it, rather than the hard good of long-standing community.
Compare that with a marriage image! In a marriage there is a mutual giving to each other. Deep love and honor. Biblically speaking - it’s about preparing the other for Christ. And it’s a long-standing - slow burn kind of love. We are to give ourselves to it, and be faithful, and we may not know how long it will take for the groom to come home.
But in Revelation 19 - it is time. And there is a celebration. Notice what they say about the bride -
His bride has prepared herself. She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure. For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.
This is a interesting line - and can appear to have great dissonance and conflict.
Did the bride prepare herself? Or was she given fine linen to wear, the righteous acts?
Who is responsible here for her appearing ready? Like is this a free gift - is this something that she earned herself?
To ease this tension, some has suggested that living a transformed life is the proper response by those that God has justified, and saved.
I, with GK Beale would state it this way: It’s not that it’s just a proper response:
it would be much better to suggest based on this passage that a transformed life is the necessary response of faith and justification.
A transformed life is the necessary response to God’s grace.
It’s not that the works save you - but it is the evidence of salvation.
Think of how James says it: James 2:26
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Or as Matthew 7 recorded Jesus Matthew 7:16-20
You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.
What kind of fruit is growing on the tree? Well that’s that kind of tree! Fruit, growth in Christ, deepning affection for him and his people are the evidence of salvation.
And Revelation 19 does rightly affirm that the robes were a gift. Every time the robes are mentioned in Revelation they are as a gift. This reminds me of Ephesians 2:8-10
For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
Salvation is a gift - it’s through grace. No one can boast. amen and amen. we are his workmanship - we are his - and we were created in Christ, for what? for good works. That God prepared for us to do.
It is the evidence of Salvation.
In the words of Tim Dwyer here
“Free grace and radical discipleship go hand in hand. It is a both-and, not an either or.” Tim Dwyer, Revelation
It’s not the running shoes, that make a runner. IT’s actually running.
This would make those robes both a gift, and a reward to the overcomer.
Let’s look at the verses 9-10
Then he said to me, “Write: Blessed are those invited to the marriage feast of the Lamb!” He also said to me, “These words of God are true.” Then I fell at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers and sisters who hold firmly to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, because the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
A new voice, apparently an angelic one commands John to write that those who are invited to the marriage feast of the lamb, confirming that God’s words are true.
And then John, perhaps seeing the radiance of this angelic creature feels compelled to worship the angel and gets rebuked.
STOP IT - I’m just a servant too. Just like you - who holds firmly to the testimony of JEsus.
Right there is such a key - Hold Firmly to the testimony of Jesus. The key of the servants of God - both angelic and in the Church is the firm holding on to the work and ministry of Jesus Christ.
And it leads us to worship - because the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
What does this mean? It seems to me that the angel is saying that those who proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world are serving in a prophetic function - why? Because they are proclaiming the word of the Lord. Jesus is the Word. By testifying, by sharing the good news of JEsus Christ - we are operating in a prophetic role to the world and the church.
Let’s stop here for this week - we will finish chapter 19 next week, but for now, let’s ask our question:
So What?
As we read about the wedding feast of the lamb - as we get a glimpse into heaven here through John, how then should we live our lives today?
1 - Worship God for who He is and what He does
We are made to worship. IT’s just a matter of who or what. Our world, because of Satan, will constantly shift us to view everything through the lens of our selves. Our experience. Our preference. Our Feelings. Y’all - we are rather small on a cosmic scale, prone to wander, prone to misunderstand. So we will end up worshipping a lot of false gods. I don’t mean by singing songs to amazon or anything like that - but by living our whole lives around consumption to make ourselves feel good.
A lot of our worship we direct towards God tends to be through the lens and perspective our ourselves or what he has done for us. Again this isn’t bad - it is good. And it’s right, in the words of paul to thank god, and speak to eachother in psalms. Ephesians 5:18-20
And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
This is good - but I will confess to you this - when I’ve struggled deeply with depression - when the world is really raging - what has transformed me most and helped me the most - is to take myself completely out of the equation. To just focus on God, who he is and what he’s like. Letting the truths of creator God transform my world. Just to praise him for who he is.
Holy Holy Holy Lord God almighty. Merciful and mighty. Blessed trinity. Who was and Is and is to be. Let us declare the glory of God. Regardless of the circumstance - let’s praise God.
That’s what it seems to multitude in heaven is doing - Just seeing God and his actions, and pouring out praise. So then shall we.
Second -
2 - Repent and Follow Jesus
Blessed are those invited to the marriage feast of the lamb. I know when we read that - and we talk about faith and works, and the evidence of salvation we can get squeamish and uncomfortable.
What is our response to this discomfort?
I would ask a couple questions - using our example from the beginning - you say your a runner. Good - but are you running?
You say you’re a Christian - good, but are you actually living like Christ? For that is what Christian means - like Christ, little Christ. I’m not saying perfection - but what about the intents and desires of our hearts. Do we see fruit in our lives?
Some of us were raised in an era where it was all about maying a decision for Jesus. About raising our hand when the pastor and Camp asked who wanted to accept Christ.
Some will ask - Is that enough?
If in faith - of course - but again we need to take a look at our fruit. Revelation is telling us that we need to faithful, to resist, to overcome. We need to be faithful to Christ!
So here is what I’d say - when you slow down, heck, if you slow down - take a look at your life in Christ. Are you faithful - are you resisting Babylon. Do you follow Christ wherever he goes (Rev 14:4) are you living honest and truly.
Or do you know that you’ve been swimming in dark wells. Are you looking for hope in other places?
Friend - turn and follow Christ. Confess your sin and move to Jesus.
And I think it’s worth mentioning that sin is both stuff we commit, and sins we omit. commission and omission.
We’re used to talking about jsut as things we commit. I did this wrong thing. let’s confess and turn from sin and look at Christ - for he is just and able to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
But there is this other aspect of sins of omission. Things that God has called us TO do, but we refuse to do, we don’t do, and therefore we fail to follow God.
Some of us are really good and avoiding the big sins - but not always out of a love of Christ - but out of a sinful pride. And when it comes to demonstrating that love through hospitality, through submission to others, through humility - there is no evidence of it. When it comes to proclaiming the gospel, when it comes to singing songs to God! Silence. Perhaps because we don’t like the songs. THE SONGS AREN’T FOR YOU! They’re for God!
Who cares whether YOU like them or not.
May our pride be defeated and would we humbly listen and obey Christ!
I heard this on a podcast the other day - and it was too good and so I want to share it.
You know most of the time we judge our spiritual lives and the godliness of others based on people’s watering systems.
Like watering a garden - are you reading scripture, are you praying, are you giving, are you doing the practices, are you attending are you are you are you.
Look none of that is bad - in fact its good -
But Jesus didn’t say you’d know them by their watering systems, but by their fruit. What they produce.
Remember, the Pharisees in Jesus time were really outwardly righteous. They fasted twice a week. They followed the letter of the law and then some. They sabbathed hard.
And Jesus called them white washed tombs. They didn’t know Jesus, they didn’t follow him, they were a fruitless bush.
Friend - what about you? do you see the fruit of the spirit in your lives? love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, & Self control.
If not - RUN don’t walk to Christ. Ask him for life and light.
How do we prepare for Christ’s return? How do we get ready for his arrival? How do we respond to the invitation to the wedding feast?
Receive the gift of God - in faith - and then do what he says.
Some of us say we love God - and then we do things he hates.
Remember - 1 John 5:2-4
This is how we know that we love God’s children: when we love God and obey his commands. For this is what love for God is: to keep his commands. And his commands are not a burden, because everyone who has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith.
So we prepare in faith and obedience.
Let our pride die. And beg the Spirit to come.
Let us pursue Christ, pursue holiness, and then proclaim the gospel of Christ to the world.
Don’t just wear the running garb - actually respond - actually get off the couch, and go on the run.
We are going to respond in singing, but I just want to encourage you - friend - if you are living in sin, there is victory available in Jesus. Like last week - I will head over to the back corner, and if you need prayer if you need to confess, come back - we will speak the gospel over you.
As we sing - we ask God to pour out his spirit and purify us.
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will do it.
