We have all had those times of struggle that lasted seemingly “forever”, then all of a sudden, heaven opens up and the ongoing problem is resolved. What is our first response? As believers, it is hopefully, “Praise God!” and give Him all the glory for helping, teaching, guiding and giving a way to resolve the issue or situation. We cry out to God for help, but when He gives it, do we thank Him and praise Him…First…and Only?
Let the Hallelujahs Begin…
During the war with the devil, himself, the devil’s servants the beast and those who worked with the beast to bring “Babylon” to ruin, the devil takes a big hit. He is now defeated by Jesus Christ, Himself. “He is dressed in a robe soaked with blood, and he is addressed as ‘Word of God.'” Cue the heavenly choir, for all of heaven rejoices over the victory. Everyone falls to their knees and worship God on his Throne. The armies of heaven, mounted on white horses, dressed in white linen, follow him. Imagine it! Our King of all kings, LORD of Lords has come to save the world, once again! “Come to the Great Supper!”, shouts an Angel of the Lord.
Yes, let the hallelujahs begin…even now…for our Victory truly is in Jesus Christ our LORD and Savior!
Revelation 19, The Message
Revelation 19The Message (MSG)
19 1-3 I heard a sound like massed choirs in Heaven singing,
The salvation and glory and power are God’s—
his judgments true, his judgments just.
He judged the great Whore
who corrupted the earth with her lust.
He avenged on her the blood of his servants.
The smoke from her burning billows up
to high Heaven forever and ever and ever.
4 The Twenty-four Elders and the Four Animals fell to their knees and worshiped God on his Throne, praising,
5 From the Throne came a shout, a command:
Praise our God, all you his servants,
All you who fear him, small and great!
6-8 Then I heard the sound of massed choirs, the sound of a mighty cataract, the sound of strong thunder:
our God, the Sovereign-Strong!
Let us celebrate, let us rejoice,
let us give him the glory!
The Marriage of the Lamb has come;
his Wife has made herself ready.
She was given a bridal gown
of bright and shining linen.
The linen is the righteousness of the saints.
9 The Angel said to me, “Write this: ‘Blessed are those invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.’” He added, “These are the true words of God!”
10 I fell at his feet to worship him, but he wouldn’t let me. “Don’t do that,” he said. “I’m a servant just like you, and like your brothers and sisters who hold to the witness of Jesus. The witness of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
A White Horse and Its Rider
11-16 Then I saw Heaven open wide—and oh! a white horse and its Rider. The Rider, named Faithful and True, judges and makes war in pure righteousness. His eyes are a blaze of fire, on his head many crowns. He has a Name inscribed that’s known only to himself. He is dressed in a robe soaked with blood, and he is addressed as “Word of God.” The armies of Heaven, mounted on white horses and dressed in dazzling white linen, follow him. A sharp sword comes out of his mouth so he can subdue the nations, then rule them with a rod of iron. He treads the winepress of the raging wrath of God, the Sovereign-Strong. On his robe and thigh is written, King of kings, Lord of lords.
17-18 I saw an Angel standing in the sun, shouting to all flying birds in Middle-Heaven, “Come to the Great Supper of God! Feast on the flesh of kings and captains and champions, horses and their riders. Eat your fill of them all—free and slave, small and great!”
19-21 I saw the Beast and, assembled with him, earth’s kings and their armies, ready to make war against the One on the horse and his army. The Beast was taken, and with him, his puppet, the False Prophet, who used signs to dazzle and deceive those who had taken the mark of the Beast and worshiped his image. They were thrown alive, those two, into Lake Fire and Brimstone. The rest were killed by the sword of the One on the horse, the sword that comes from his mouth. All the birds held a feast on their flesh.
What do we learn? (With a little insight from Matthew Henry!)
–All of heaven praises Him for the truth of His word, and the righteousness of His providential conduct, especially in this great event—the ruin of Babylon, which had been a mother, nurse, and nest of idolatry, lewdness, and cruelty (Rev. 19:2), for which signal example of divine justice they ascribe salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto our God.
–The effect of their praises: when the angels and saints cried Alleluia, her fire burned more fiercely and her smoke ascended for ever and ever, Rev. 19:3. The surest way to have our deliverances continued and completed is to give God the glory of what he has done for us.
–Praising God for what we have is praying in the most effectual manner for what is yet further to be done for us; the praises of the saints blow up the fire of God’s wrath against the common enemy. Have we ever thought of the deep power of our prayers?
–The blessed harmony between the angels and the saints in this triumphant song, Rev. 19:4. The churches and their ministers take the melodious sound from the angels, and repeat it; falling down, and worshiping God, they cry, Amen, Alleluia.
–John falls down to worship the messenger Angel. The angel rebukes him. The Angel of God directs him to the true and only object of religious worship; namely, God: “Worship God, and him alone.”
Dear Heavenly Father, Wow, just wow! Hallelujah! We are reminding of the power of You and wonder why you love us so much. Forgive us our sins and help us to quickly forgive others who merely offend us. Thank you for saving us! Thank you for going to battle for us…and winning! Thank You for Your Presence in our lives right now and throughout the day. Help us see You in every detail of today. In Jesus Name, Amen
