Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Revelation+019

 

Chapter 19 (ESV)

¹ After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out,

“Hallelujah!  Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, ² for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”

³ Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.”

⁴ And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” ⁵ And from the throne came a voice saying,

“Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.”

⁶ Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. ⁷ Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; ⁸ it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

⁹ And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” ¹⁰ Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

 

REFLECTION:

1. The scene here again shifts to heaven. There the fall of Babylon causes rejoicing.  God now reigns.  And all the saints will celebrate at the wedding supper of the Lamb.
2. The symbolism here is powerful. In the Old Testament God is pictured as the husband of Israel.  In the New Testament, Christ is the Bridegroom, the church his chosen bride.  At last Bridegroom and bride sit down together at the wedding banquet.  For all eternity ahead life will be new.  And we will be one with God forever.
3. How do you prepare yourself to participate in this much anticipated universal celebration? The Lord’s coming is fast approaching.  Will you be clothed in holiness and purity to go?  How do you participate in the preparation?

 

PRAYER:

Dear God! How I long to attend the marriage supper of the Lamb on that day! Christ is the bridegroom and the church is His bride. I and all the saints wear fine linen that is bright and pure, and this fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. Lord, let this desire be the driving force in my life to strive for righteousness.

 

HYMN:

Refiners Fire – youtu.be/SQclw7Ptxwc