Revelation 15
God has used signs from Genesis to Revelation because they’re evidence of His reality. This short chapter catapults us into the future where we’re privileged to listen and watch His final acts. Yes, we’ll view more judgments but more than that is the picture that’s painted: a glorious one.
Seven angels with seven plagues are the final judgments before His return; hopefully by now we’ve understood that these last days are like birth pains, increasing with intensity and frequency, as Jesus foretold.
For now we listen in on a worship service in the heavenly Temple that’s pictured as a sea of crystal mixed with fire. Picture that. The last martyrs join in the worship with accompanying harps singing the Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb. Two songs or one? We don’t know but the words seem to be a summary of the greatness of God Moses witnessed in Ex. 15 as he led God’s people out of bondage. That’s the lower story. The upper story is our final deliverance from this world of evil and entering into the Presence of God joining all the saints of all time. Enjoy their song in verses 3-4 as they reflect on God’s deeds, ways, and acts revealed to everyone, everywhere, and for all time.
As John watched the heavenly Temple doors open he saw those final angels with their final judgments contained in vials or bowls. God’s patience has finally reached it’s fullness and these plagues will complete His chances offered to repent. As we read the Song of Moses and the Lamb we realize He’s the only Ruler of the Universe not sharing that position with anyone. With unrestricted power and absolute dominion He loves His people with an everlasting love that’s full of forgiveness and mercy. The reality of His justice though is sobering but final.
There are many Old Testament references in Revelation that you can miss if you’re not careful. For example, Moses built the lower story Tabernacle (Ex. 25-27, 30) as a dwelling place for God where He promised to meet and talk with His people. At the completion appeared a cloud, His glory, and fire within it. Also, When Solomon finished his assignment to build the lower story Temple the same thing happened: the fire of His glory appeared (2 Chron. 7). Now read Revelation,
… and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished. Revelation 15:8
God isn’t random in His salvation, He sent His Son into the whole world, but He requires repentance and fidelity. He, alone, will be worshipped. The word worship means ‘kissing ground’ or an act of humility, literally falling down ‘kissing the ground He walks on’. No one is worthy of that level of submission and devoted love but the Lord God, the Almighty, King of the Nations (vs. 3).
Comments are closed.