REJOICING IN HEAVEN
Posted by Pastor Greg Allen on November 19, 2009 under AM Bible Study |
AM Bible Study Group; November 19, 2009
Revelation 19:1-10
Theme: This passage describes the joy in heaven that will immediately precede the return of our Lord to earth.
In chapters 17-18, the story of Revelation was temporarily put on hold; and we were given background information about the destruction of ‘Babylon’—that great ‘harlot’ city that will represent the summation of the Antichrist’s system of political power, ungodly philosophy, wayward religion, and materialism. When the story resumes, the next great thing that is described to us is the return of our Lord to the earth to conquer and reign (19:11-20:6).
Between these two things, we find this morning’s passage. It gives us a picture—after the grim mourning of the earth over the destruction of Babylon—of the great joy in heaven. The word “Alleluia!” is used—which is the Hebrew form of “Praise God”. This passage is the only occurrence of that phrase in the New Testament; and it is found here four times (vv. 1, 3, 4, and 6).
I. THE REJOICING OVER THE DESTRUCTION OF BABYLON (vv. 1-4).
A. “After these things”—which may mean ‘after’ the description of the destruction of the harlot city (chapters 17-18), and specifically the symbolic casting of the stone into the water (18:21-24); but which may more likely mean ‘after’ the pouring-out of the seventh bowl (16:17-21)—we’re told that John heard “a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven”. We’re not told who this multitude is; but it may be the same great multitude referred to in 7:9ff. They speak a word of praise to the Lord God—attributing salvation, and glory, and honor (though some texts do not contain the word “honor”), and power to Him. These words are similar to that of the great crowd in 7:9.
B. The cause that is given for this praise is because God’s judgments are “true and righteous”; and the context of these judgments is the destruction of the great city. We’re told that she corrupted the earth “with her fornications”; and that God had avenged on her “the blood of His servants shed by her” (or literally, “the blood of His servants by her hand”). Here, the great cry of the saints in 6:9-11 is finally answered.
C. Note that there is a second cry of “Alleluia!” by this same great multitude. Apparently, the praise to God for the fact of her destruction is separated from the endurance of her destruction; because they praise God that “Her smoke rises up forever and ever” (see 14:11). And then, a second group joins the praise—the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fall down and worship God “who sat on the throne”, and say, “Amen! Alleluia!” All the beings of heaven rejoice at the destruction of this city! What a contrast to the mourning of the world! (18:20).
II. THE REJOICING OVER THE REIGN OF GOD (vv. 5-6).
A. Another voice is heard. This one is from the throne. Though we’re not told who this voice is coming from, the fact that it comes from the throne suggests that it is from the Lord Jesus (see Revelation 7:17). If this is so, then the Lord Jesus now calls forth praise to God; saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”. Note that, if this is indeed the Lord Jesus, He has now made it possible for those He addresses to speak of God with Him as “our God” (see John 20:17).
B. Who are these that the voice speaks to? They appear to be distinguished from the Bride (mentioned in the next section). And this has caused many to speculate that they are the Old Testament saints, and the saints redeemed during the tribulation—that is, the redeemed of God from before and after the church age. In response, a great multitude is heard that’s volume staggers John’s capability of description—first as the sound of a great multitude, then as the sound of many waters, and finally as the sound of mighty thunderings. They all join in with another, saying, “Alleluia! for the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!” God’s reign through His Son—the hope of the redeemed throughout the ages—is now about to be realized on earth!
III. THE REJOICING OVER THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB (vv. 7-9).
A. This same multitude now expresses rejoicing over the “marriage of the Lamb”. This would speak of the Bride of Christ—the church (Ephesians 5:25-33). Note that we’re told that she has made herself ready. To her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, “clean and bright”. We’re told that the fine linen is “the righteous acts of the saints”. Do you realize that you and I are making our own bridal gown now? May we live in a way that makes us clothed in a worthy manner at His coming!
B. Note also that a voice (most likely the angel that first began speaking to John in 17:1) now tells him to write: “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” What a glorious wedding invitation! May many receive it and be there for the feast! And note also that this is further strengthened by the angel who says, “These are the true sayings of God”.
IV. THE AFFIRMATION, IN IT ALL, OF THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS (v. 10).
A. The impact of all of this was too much for John. And then, he commits a great error. He falls down and worships at the feet of the angel! How many have made a similar mistake—overcome by the greatness of the message that they direct too much adoration to the messenger!
B. The angel calls him (literally) to ‘see that he not do that’! He insists that he is simply a fellow servant with all who bear the testimony of Jesus. Instead, he directs John to understand something that ought to be writ large on all our study of Revelation, “Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” All prophecy— rightly understood—shines the spotlight upon Him!
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It’s wise to hold our interpretation of this passage carefully. We aren’t told who the different entities in heaven are who speak in it. John himself, who saw these things, wasn’t led to say—and perhaps, himself, didn’t know. But what we do know for certain is that they—who ever they are—are presented to us as praising God and rejoicing loudly before His throne.
May we, by God’s grace, hate the system that heaven hates, rejoice over the prospect that it rejoices over, and have the central focus on Christ our Savior that it has!
