Day 225: Are you invited? - Revelation 19 vs 1 -10

1-2 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 judgements 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.” 3-4 Once more they cried out,“ Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshipped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!”  5 And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.”

6-7 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. 8 It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure” - for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 9 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.” 

10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You mustn’t 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. Revelation 19:1-10 English Standard Version

Have you ever wondered what heaven and eternity will be like? I've heard the accusation made that 'Christians' are dreary and dull and don't have any fun. Now while we don't know what heaven and eternity are like – what sort of picture do verses 6-7 present?

We see there that heaven resounds with joyful praise and is likened to a marriage celebration. That's not a picture of gloom and sadness. It's a picture of great happiness. Heaven, and eternity itself, is going to be a time of tremendous joy for those who are there. Which leads to a very important question that arises from what the angel says in verse 9!

Have you been invited to the joyful occasion of the marriage of the Lamb of God? If you have then it will show in certain ways. Firstly, you will agree with what the great multitude in heaven cried out in vs 1-2, namely, that God's judgements are true – and just. When God judges the nations and those who filled the earth with immorality and persecuted His people, Christians will rejoice to see justice done. Would you? What is the second evidence of being invited to the marriage feast as seen in vs 5?

A Christian is someone who has a proper fear of God. The emphasis isn’t so much on being frightened, but on a deep reverence that fears to grieve Him. But notice, the blessing is for 'small' Christians as well as the great ones! The most insignificant believer (who may even tremble at the thought of meeting God) will be at the feast. What would you say is the third evidence of being on the wedding invite list according to vs 8?

He or she will be a person whose life will have been growing in righteous deeds that God's Spirit has been producing in their lives. This doesn't just mean giving to charitable causes. These righteous deeds are the whole change of life that the Holy Spirit brings about when we put Jesus' words into action. We grow in our love for spouses, for fellow saints, for people in need, and even for our enemies. These are the things that clothe us as beautifully as a wedding dress clothes a bride.

The beautiful scene of this marriage feast so overwhelmed John that he fell at the feet of the angel in worship! (vs 10) But the angel firmly reminds him that angels are only servants of God, just as we are, and our worship must be directed to God alone. That's also evidence of being a Christian. The Christian doesn't worship images, icons, people, or even' Saints' – they worship the triune God. So then - have you been invited to the marriage feast of the Lamb. Blessed are those who have.(vs 9)