Revelation 19:1-10
If you’ve stuck with me, hopefully following along in your Bible, then you’ve reached the paramount, the top of the mountain, of John’s vision. The punishments for sin are completed and the Bridegroom is ready to make His entrance. It’s time for a wedding!
Today the average wedding cost in America is $30,000 increasing 3,000% since the 50’s, meanwhile, the divorce rate continues to soar. Unfortunately, extravagant weddings don’t guarantee covenant relationships, faithfulness, or enduring commitment.
John heard another ‘megaphone’ cry from heaven signifying the closure of God’s judgments and the arrival of His rewards; the only response was “Hallelujah!” We’ve become immune to it’s true meaning which in Hebrew indicates praise, rejoicing, and boasting in God with a sincere and deeply thankful heart that the Shining One, our God, reigns superior to all others. When we shout hallelujah we’re recognizing and voicing His superior character.
That shout was heard four times in this chapter, and nowhere else in the New Testament, from the heavenly throne room as the 24 elders and 4 living creatures that we learned about in chapters 4-5 are once again pouring out their overwhelming joy.
When we reach verse seven there’s a sense of glorious celebration that the time for this wedding, the marriage of the Lamb to His Bride has arrived and she’s ready. In the lower story, a real-life wedding, there is an engagement, a time of waiting, planning the ceremony, and reception. Invitations are sent out, the luxurious dress is purchased, and the arrangements for flowers and photos are completed.
In the upper story, the spiritual image, God followed the same process. He sent His Son to redeem (buy back) and become engaged to His people with the promise of returning (Matt. 25:1-13). John’s vision pictures that moment when the interval of waiting is completed. This ceremony and reception will spare no expense as the Bridegroom is reunited with His bride: The Church. With an extravagant and luxurious setting we’ll enjoy His Presence once again dressed in our holy garment, a spiritual gown of white linen. Make no mistake, that wedding dress represents the righteous words and deeds we’ve done representing Him to the world and ministering in His Name.
The invitations to the reception are sent out with a blessing, consequently, John’s ecstasy at the future event caused him to fall down and mistakenly worship the angel who will not have it. Worship is exclusively for Jesus as God and our testimony of His love, grace, mercy, and future hope is called the ‘spirit of prophecy’.
Whenever you minister or serve people in His Name you’re declaring those attributes of our Redeemer and Lord. You’re prophesying what He’d say if He was here; you’re re-presenting Him to the world and He’s pleased. Allow that wedding image to flood you today as you anticipate His return and know you’ll be standing beside Him. The only response is a Hallelujah Chorus!
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