Read Revelation 19:1–10
Questions from the Scripture text: How does Revelation 19:1 relate, chronologically, to the fall of harlot Babylon? What does John hear? What is this great multitude saying—what four things do they ascribe to Whom in their praise? What two things have demonstrated his (Revelation 19:2)? What has He done to show this about His judgments? What had the harlot done? And what has He done to her? What do they repeat in Revelation 19:3? What do they say about the harlot? Who do what in Revelation 19:4 (cf. Revelation 4:10, Revelation 5:8)? What do they say? From where does the next voice come (Revelation 19:5)? What does it tell whom to do? Whose voice do we hear in Revelation 19:6? What does it sound like? What is it saying about the Lord? What does it exhort one another to do (Revelation 19:7)? Why—what has come? Who has done what? What will be granted to her (Revelation 19:8)? What is this fine linen? To whom does the one with John now speak (Revelation 19:9)? What does he tell John to do? What is John to write about whom? What does the voice say about what John is writing? How does John respond to the one who says this thing (Revelation 19:10)? But how does this one respond? What does he call himself? Whom does he serve? What do the brethren have? Whom should John worship? Why?
How do we respond to the events of the last day? Revelation 19:1–10 provides a sermon preview. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we respond to the events of the last day with great and universal praise unto God.
We praise God for His truth and righteousness. In His judgments (Revelation 19:2), God has especially shown His truth and righteousness. He has been righteous to the harlot, punishing her corrupting influence (verse 2a). He has been righteous to the saints, avenging them (verse 2b). He has been righteous in the extent of the punishment, it being forever and ever (Revelation 19:3).
We praise God for His great acts in His plan of salvation. The worship of the twenty-four elders and four living creatures, in Revelation 19:4, is the third act of the worship in which they lead all of God’s great assembly. First it was for creation (cf. Revelation 4:10), then it was for redemption (cf. Revelation 5:8), and now it is for consummation (Revelation 19:4). We praise the Lord for His mighty acts. We sing the new song unto the Lord, upon the closing chapter of His plan (cf. Psalm 96, 98). Indeed, it is the Lord Jesus Himself Who now leads this praise from the throne (Revelation 19:5).
We praise God for His almighty love. It is wonderful that the great display of God’s omnipotence (Revelation 19:6) is not the judgment of the harlot but the marriage of the bride to the Lamb (Revelation 19:7). His power has not only delivered her from her guilt, but fitted her for her wedding (end of verse 7). When you grow in grace, dear saint, your righteous acts become part of the fine linen of the bride (Revelation 19:8)! The Lamb has loved an unworthy bride, betrothed her to Himself, and is fitting her for Himself. Here is the greatest display of almighty power and divine love!
We respond by serving the saints. We must announce the blessed invitation to the marriage supper (Revelation 19:9). Even John’s angel guide views himself as servant to those who will inherit salvation (Revelation 19:10, cf. Hebrews 1:14). But we are “fellow servants,” and it should be our desire to be used by God to bring every one of His elect to that wonderful marriage feast!
What is your heart-habit of praise to God for His works? What are you looking forward to on the last day? What is God’s greatest display of his power to you, and how are you responding to it? How does the thought of “clothing the bride” incentivize you unto good works? How are you participating in the service to bring all of the saints to the marriage feast?
Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for when we feel that justice is being neglected. Grant that we would remember the perfect truth and righteousness of Your judgments, that we will see at the last day. And forgive us for how unmindful we are of the marriage supper of the Lamb. Make us to see His love, and come to His feast, and do those righteous acts that are the fine linen of His bride. Forgive us for not serving more in evangelism and discipleship, and use us, as You gather in all Your elect, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song” or TPH471 “The Sands of Time Are Sinking”
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