Daily Thought

These final verses of the parenthesis record events in heaven at the end of the tribulation. John hears many people there rejoicing, first, over the just judgement of the false bride, Babylon, then over the marriage of Christ, the Lamb, to His true bride, the church. They sing a fourfold ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ to God for His salvation, glory, honour, and power, and for His coming omnipotent reign. A voice from heaven exhorted all God’s servants to praise Him. Let us today join the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures as they fall in worship before His throne! This is the last reference to the twenty-four elders in the book. From now on they appear to be replaced by the Lamb’s wife, who is clearly the church. This probably confirms their identity as the church in heaven during the tribulation.

Verses 6 to 10 anticipate our marriage to Christ in heaven. Verse 8 interprets the fine linen of our bridal attire as our ‘righteous acts’ (RV) performed during our lives now. Therefore, we need to seriously consider how well we are preparing for our future union with Christ. Certainly, He will have reviewed our lives of service at His judgement seat soon after our rapture to heaven. Verses 9, 10 refer to the marriage supper of the Lamb, and the blessedness of its invited guests, who will include both the Old Testament and the tribulation saints. It is possible that this may take place, not in heaven at the marriage of the Lamb, but on earth during the millennial kingdom, since other scriptures seem to portray an earthly, not a heavenly, scene; see Isa. 25. 6; Matt. 8. 11, 12; 22. 1-14; Luke 13. 28-30. Consider, however, with what joy Christ will in that day of union view the results of ‘the travail of his soul’ on the cross of Calvary as all His redeemed surround Him! And what will be our joy, too, when we enter fully into our eternal reward, and, free from sin, enjoy an eternal relationship with Him whom our soul loves!

Following these overwhelming revelations, John was rebuked by the angel for attempting to worship him. He then said that only God should be worshipped; all prophecy is intended to witness to Jesus alone. Christ is the key to its meaning, and His glory its objective. Surely, we say, ‘Amen’ to that!