Revelation 19:6-10

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.  Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.  And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”  Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

The celebration in heaven continues with a marriage and reception as the Bride of Christ prepares for the eternal reign of the Lamb.  This will be a glorious occasion unlike anything seen in the history of the world.  This provides a stark contrast to the torment taking place on earth because of God’s judgment of sin and the pouring out of His wrath.

THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB: The announcement of the marriage is said to sound like rushing water, and thunder coming from a huge multitude of people.  This will be like no other celebration ever experienced.  The declaration will be that the Lord reigns.  This is great reason for worship and rejoicing because He is finally revealed in his glory and rightful place.  Since sin entered the world, there have been competing affections in the heart of man.  The reign of God has been thrown into question and rival gods have been permitted to compete for the worship of mankind.  On this glorious day all that confusion, pain, and idolatry will be eliminated, and all glory will be given to the Lamb.

THE MARRIAGE TO THE BRIDE: The Bride is also made ready and clothed in white linen.  The Church is the Bride of Christ as she is clothed in the righteous deeds accomplished in the power of the Spirit.  The beauty of the Bride is really all about the glory of the Lamb.  None of our righteousness would be possible apart from the work of Christ on our behalf and the power of the Spirit within us.  It is a glorious thing to be the object of God’s affection and the recipient of His grace.

THE MARRIAGE INVITATION TO SUPPER: The invitation to this marriage supper is a blessed thing.  The splendor of the setting, the food, and extravagance will all be exquisite and beyond anything we have ever seen or experienced.  But none of these things will capture our attention and stir our affection like the presence of God.  The angel who announces these words are so glorious that John falls down to worship him.  However, he quickly corrects John’s spontaneous and ignorant worship directing it to the Lamb who is the only One worthy of our worship.

APPLICATION: Live in anticipation of the glory that we will experience when we see Jesus.  Don’t be discouraged by the injustice and idolatry that mark our current reality, because it is only temporary.  Practice righteousness in the power of the Spirit as a means of preparing for this glorious day.  Worship God alone.

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