Tag: Revelation 19 commentary

24.3 Revelation – A Voice From the Throne

Luke 1:32 –  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David

Matthew 25:31 –  “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.”

Ezek 43:2 – and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory

Jer 25:30 – “Now prophesy all these words against them and say to them: “ ‘The LORD will roar from on high; he will thunder from his holy dwelling and roar mightily against his land. He will shout like those who tread the grapes, shout against all who live on the earth.”

In reply to the 3 Hallelujahs of verses 1-5, John writes: Then a voice came from the throne: “Praise our God”.

Another voice like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.”  This voice announces that the wedding of the Lamb has come.

The bride of Christ, the church, had been lured away by the temptation of the world, as Eve was by the serpent in the garden.  She has been taken away in exile and held captive in Babylon.  But her warrior savior has come and called her out of the wickedness of that land.  She has been washed clean of all her wrongdoing and sin and all that remains are her righteous acts, she is clothed in them because they were done through the power of Jesus.  And her husband, the Lamb, not only has saved her and punished her captives but has chosen to make her His bride.  A truly glorious union.

Not only is this announced by angels and saints, but it is announced with praise from the very throne of God in the voice of the Most High.

 

My Answers:

6.
a.
The redemption of the church (the bride of Christ) to be united forever with Him, she was kidnapped, but has been redeemed

b.
Eph: Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the water through the word, holy blameless

2 Cor: Christ is the husband of the church – she has been pledged to Him and despite not staying pure, He still takes her and loves her

J14: He sends the H/S to live with you and be in you, not left as orphans, He will come for the church – Jesus will love and show Himsel

J15: Unification – love each other, I love you, friends, bear fruit, whatever you ask will give you, remain in love, keep commandments

7.
The church – us

8.
God alone is to be worshiped.  We stand in awe of all heavenly beings of the angels and saints and apostles and martyrs.  But they are all fellow servants with us, brothers and sisters in Christ – Worship God Alone.

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24.2 Revelation – Hallelujah x 3

In our passage from Revelation 19:1-5, we get to see the perfect praise of the three Hallelujahs.  Hallelujah is a combination of the Hebrew word Hallal: an exortation to “praise” addressed to several people and Jah or Yah: meaning God (Wikipedia: Hallelujah).

The great multitude in heaven shouts Hallelujah for His just and true condemnation of Babylon.

The great multitude in heaven shouts Hallelujah that God has executed that condemnation on the city with a burning wrath that shall not be quenched or put out by human hands.

The 24 elders and 4 living creatures in the throne room, supplicate themselves and cry in reply: Amen, Hallelujah.

How many times today have you said “Praise God!”?  When was the last time you shouted with others in praise of God.

We do plenty of shouting.  We shout in anger at the drivers on the road.  We shout for our favorite teams.  We shout (wrongly) at the umpires at our kids’ games.  We form in crowds and shout protests over politics.  Each night there is at least one news report from the day of people shouting.

But when was the last time you shouted “Hallelujah, Praise God”?  Why not?  Do you believe it is right to praise God?  Do you believe He is worthy of praise?  What is holding you back?  Fear? Shame? Are you embarassed?

So, here is my challenge to you.  Practice makes perfect, right?  So, practice.  First, get in your car by yourself and shout it out.  Next do it in your house, then in a field, then at church, then in public with people you don’t know, then… well, just keep doing it.  Paul wrote, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16.  Do not be ashamed of joining the multitude of heaven – you are in pretty good company!

By the way – how cool is it that there is a multitude in heaven.  They aren’t resting peacefully (rest in peace).  They aren’t sitting around on clouds playing classical harp music.  They are part of the Revelation Revolution – They are alive and awake and making some noise, Amen!

 

My Answers:

3.
Salvation (only source to be saved), Glory (He alone is full of Glory), Power (all power and might are God’s)

These are the things all men seek from their rulers, this and justice and mercy and kindness and love

4.
True and Just – That He is true, in Him is no lie, I can always count on everything He says, no trickery or deceit, no malice

5.
a.
The final fall of Babylon – total destruction

b.
To not be timid or reserved – to be energetic and shout His praises