The Book of Revelation can be confusing and potentially intimidating. Many would prefer a simple Psalm or Proverb with our morning cup of coffee instead of the eschatological numbers, symbols and creatures that populate the final pages of Scripture.
All that imagery has significant meaning and relevant application to your life, but it does require a lot of study and understanding. So when people ask me about the Book of Revelation, I say that in its most simple form, it’s a glorious portrait of the risen King Christ.
THE BEST WORSHIP SERVICE EVER
I would argue that the best depiction of that glory is found in Revelation 19:6-8. Sometimes I close my eyes and try to imagine being in attendance at the most vibrant and exuberant worship service ever recorded. Check out these words:
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." (ESV)
I love those three verses because it enables me to visualize the intimate and raucous celebration that is to come. But while I wait for that celebration, those verses also require that I re-evaluate my priorities. How so, you may ask? Think about this: those in the rejoicing multitude have lived life on earth and now exist eternally on the other side. By eavesdropping on their song, we can learn what's truly important for us today.
FIVE IMPORTANT THINGS
There are 5 things that the great multitude is celebrating:
1. God Himself (vv. 6-7)
Those in the multitude celebrate that God exists. It sounds a bit dumb, doesn't it? But, if you were to honestly assess your life, you would find streaks of "godlessness" every day. That doesn't mean you're temporarily an atheist or indulging in wild streaks of debauchery; it simply means that you're making decisions that forget the presence of God.
Imagine how your relationships, your ministry, your work, your calendar, and your budget would be transformed if, before every desire, word, and deed, you remembered the presence of the Lord. But we're amnesiacs, God-forgetful people; our hearts are prone to wander. Would you humbly admit that you forget God more than you should?
2. God's Reign (v. 6)
Those in the multitude rejoice that God Almighty reigns with power and precision. How often do you and I forget about his sovereignty and try to work out life on our own? We wish we could turn back the clock and change the past; we try to manipulate people and locations in the present; we fret constantly over the future.
If you rested in the active reign of God, your life would be marked by peace and confidence, even in the darkest and most unpredictable of times. Would you humbly admit that you fearfully try to control more of your life than you should?
3. God's Glory (v. 7)
Those in the multitude are intimately experiencing what they were made for: the glory of Another. It's clear from Scripture that you and I were not designed to pursue and accumulate as many pleasures and treasures as we can, but to live for the glory of God.
Think about how many times you choose the kingdom of self over the kingdom of God. I'm not talking about big moments; I'm talking about the 10,000 little opportunities you have each week to pursue God's kingdom. Would you humbly admit that you love little glories more than you love the Glory of God?
4. God's Invitation (v. 7)
Those in the multitude recognize how significant their inclusion at the Marriage Supper is; they have made themselves ready. In other words, they're celebrating redemption and the fact that their lives have been joined together with Christ.
There are some days when you and I are joyfully married to Jesus the Bridegroom, but there are many days when we treat our lives as if they belong to us. Remember, Christ died so that those who live may no longer live for themselves. Would you humbly admit that you don't always want the invitation to live for Jesus?
5. God's Grace (v. 8)
Finally, those in the multitude are celebrating their wardrobe, the fine, bright and pure linen they're given to wear. This represents the grace of God that has transformed their heart from the inside out.
One day, you and I will experience completely pure and transformed hearts. But a filthy heart needs to be cleansed before it becomes pure, and that cleansing process - called sanctification - requires pressure and heat. I'll be the first one to admit - I often struggle with God's way of purifying my soul. Would you humbly admit that you don't want sanctification as much as you say you do?
DON'T BE DISCOURAGED
As I reviewed these five important things that the great multitude celebrates, I was discouraged by how short I fall. I forget God; I try to control my future; I pursue self-glory; I'm not excited to die to self; and I don't rejoice when sanctification comes my way.
But then I remembered - these people are on the other side. They no longer wrestle with sin like I do. One day I'll be able to celebrate with unrestricted joy and passion!
Until then, every day will be a struggle. That's why I encouraged to you five times to "humbly admit" your shortcomings. Remember, God gives grace to the humble, form-fit for the specific battle of that day. And, in the midst of your failing, Jesus will never turn his back on you; you’re the bride of Christ, and nothing can remove the love he has for you.
