Revelation 19:1-4

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, 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.”  Once more they cried out,“Hallelujah!  The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.”   And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!”  And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.”

The reaction to the overthrow of Babylon and the judgments of God in heave are very different than those described on earth.  This judgment was met with lament and regret on the earth but with worship and praise in heaven.  This contrast is instructive because there are many things that from an earthly perspective seem to be disastrous.  However, from heaven’s vantage point these same things are seen as glorious.

A CELEBRATION OF GOD’S JUDGMENT: The great multitude in heaven that is observing God’s judgment of Babylon shouts with a loud voice: Halleluia!  They are celebrating the justice of God that reveals His glory and power.  For generations the corruption, immorality, violence, and idolatry of the system of Babylon have been advancing.  In many ways this sinfulness seemed to be proliferating without consequence and the justice and power of God seemed hidden.  That will all come to an end.  The persecution that the followers of Christ suffered on earth at the had of Babylon will be avenged and God’s justice and wrath will be revealed.  The smoke rising up from the destruction of this system will serve as a sort of symbol of God’s power and a testimony to His glory that will forever inspire the worship of His holy name.

AN INVITATION TO GOD’S ENJOYMENT: The twenty-four elders join in the celebration falling before the Lord.  They cry out in agreement saying “amen” and exclaim “halleluiah” as a part of this ovation to the greatness of God.  Then a voice comes from the throne room that calls on the servants of the Lord who lived in fear of Him to join in this anthem of praise to the Lord.  This call to worship goes out to the entirety of the body of believers that are gathered in heaven.  The effect will be awesome and inspire a joy that allows all believers to participate in the unbounded and unending glory of the Trinity.

APPLICATION: Don’t be discouraged or distressed by the prosperity that the wicked often enjoy.  Trust in the Lord’s sovereign control and demonstrate that trust by serving Him faithfully and living in the fear of the Lord, having a burning desire to please Him.  Worship and praise the Lord because He is worthy and it is what we were created to enjoy.

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