The Final Song (Revelation 15)

The God We Love Matt Redman The Final Song Revelation 15 Background • • • Chapter 6 introduces a period of judgment called the Great Tribulation (see Daniel 9:24-27). During the first half, the anti-Christ rises to power and 3.5 years in performs the “abomination of the desolation” (Matthew 24:15). From that midpoint, for 3.5 additional years, the Bible describes unprecedented judgment, salvation, and persecution (Revelation 12:11; 13:15-17). The Great Whore of Babylon is drunk of the blood of the martyred saints (Revelation 17:6). In Revelation, these martyred, tribulation saints are gathered before the throne for a final song of worship. Developments in the Martyr’s Song 1. These martyrs are people of tremendous courage – see Revelation 7:9-17. They are people who lost everything for Christ and now see His promises from the perspective of eternity. 2. They sing the Song of Moses (the Bible’s first recorded song, Exodus 15) and the Song of the Lamb, which is likely the song they’re currently singing. Both point to God’s deliverance and judgment and all the Bible’s declarations between. Developments in the Martyr’s Song 3. The song opens with a sweeping address – comprehensive and sweeping statement of God’s power, capability and strength. 3. The second phrase answers the unspoken question of how, “How is God so majestic and mighty?” God demonstrates his power with righteousness and truth; God never compromises – he does exactly as He says He will do. His promise to save and to judge are equally apparent. Developments in the Martyr’s Song 5. “Who will not fear?” is a special question – It’s not a rhetorical question, but anticipates a vocal and emphatic, negative reply: “Certainly no one!” (see Jeremiah 10:7) 5. The song affirms universal worship three different times – all will fear; all will glorify; all nations will worship. On at least 35 occasions, the Bible affirms universal worship. On many other occasions, the Bible isolations one group another (eg: Psalm 138, “all the kings”) or gives a euphemism, eg: Habakkuk 2:4, “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD.”) Developments in the Martyr’s Song 7. The reasons for universal worship are clear – God is alone is holy (all false gods will be exposed to be such); God’s righteous acts will witness against the rebellious nations. 7. The Song of the Martyrs initiates God’s final and inescapable judgment (15:5-8). Lessons 1. Notice how little the singing martyrs think of their earthly lives. Whatever suffering they endured, whatever deprivation they encountered – all was worth it for the Lamb. 2. Be not deceived – the day of the Lord will come like a thief (2 Peter 3:10) and you may find yourself in a place where God’s mercy is at an end. Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.