Revelation 19:1
“After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Alleluia!’”Revelation 19:3
“Again they said, ‘Alleluia!’”Revelation 19:4
“And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, ‘Amen! Alleluia!’”Revelation 19:5
“Then a voice came from the throne, saying, ‘Praise our God,’”Revelation 19:6
“Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!”Revelation 19:7
“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come,. . .”
In Revelation 19, the scene in heaven is one of exuberant praise. We read of a great multitude joining in worship, and giving glory to the Lord. While there are many reasons to worship God, their praise stems from the fact that the marriage supper of the Lamb has come. To help us understand the relationship we have with God, the Bible uses a number of illustrations. We are referred to as the ‘children of God’, the ‘body of Christ’, the ‘church’, or ‘assembly of those who have been called out of the world’. Perhaps the most intimate of all is when the Bible refers to the Christian as “the bride of Christ.” Paul wrote to the Corinthians,
“For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2
In ancient Jewish culture, the greatest of all celebrations was the wedding feast. The same is often true today. Being a pastor, I have an interesting perspective at weddings. As the congregation turns to watch the bride enter the room, I usually turn and look at the face of the groom. It is amazing to see his face the moment he sees her, and watch him fill with joy. There are times when the joy becomes so great, tears fill his eyes. In those times, I cannot help but think of the joy in the face of Jesus, when He is finally reunited with His bride; and we will forever be with the Lord.
In ancient times, when a man and woman committed to marry one another, they would be betrothed. Betrothal, unlike engagement, involved being legal bound. It was not something that was cast aside on a whim, but would require a legal document in order to bring it to an end. When you received Christ, you were betrothed to Him. While the wedding day and it’s celebration remain in our future, we are bound to Him by love. He is in heaven, anticipating the day when we will be united with Him. We should live on earth with that same anticipation.
Pastor Jim
Questions for Revelation 19
After 13 chapters of the Great Tribulation, we now come to its end. As world as we know it is coming to an end and Jesus returns to rule and reign upon the earth.
1. Look at verse 1. What four things belong to God? Notice in particular, that Salvation belongs to Him. God alone saves.
2. In verses 2-4 we see the reaction in heaven at the final judgment of the world. How would you describe heaven’s reaction? Why?
3. A voice speaks from the throne in verses 5-7. In verses 5-6 what honors are ascribed to God?
4. Notice verse 7 and 9. What special event is being mentioned in these verses? Look up Ephesians 5:25-33. What is our (the church’s) relationship with Jesus?
5. Verse 10 tells us something very important about prophecy (God speaking through man). What is it?
6. In verses 11-16 we see that Jesus Himself leads the armies of heaven to lay His rightful claim to this earth. List as many things as you can that these verses teach you about Jesus.
7. In verses 17-21, we see all the nations of the earth aligned against God. Read Psalm 2. What will their fight against God come to?
Old Testament:
Daniel 1- Start To Finish
Daniel 2- Kingdoms Will Rise And Fall
Jim Gallagher 