Marriage of the Lamb

July 1, 2020 (Wednesday)

 

     Can you believe it? Today is the first day of the second half of the year. In Revelation 18 we see a probable false religion. In Revelation 19 we see Jesus’ true church. Both are symbolized by a woman.

     Before we get to the contrast, notice there is praise in heaven. In verse 1 there is a “huge crowd” declaring in a shout, “Hallelujah! The salvation and glory and power of our God! His judgments are true and just, because he judged the great prostitute, who ruined the earth by her whoring, and he exacted the penalty for the blood of his servants from her hand.” [Revelation 19:1b – 2a CEB] In verse 4 the twenty-four elders (most likely representing Israel and the church) join with an Amen!

     Even God’s throne joins the praise, “Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!” [Revelation 19:5 NIV] Notice there is great and small alike. Important and not important are included. This is so contradictory to the world system that says unless you are rich, powerful, or privileged; you need to shut up and sit down. Here everyone is invited to join in praise.

     Once again the huge crowd voices powerfully. This time it is an invitation to a wedding. “Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.” For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people.” [Revelation 196b – 8 NLT]

     Notice the difference between the world’s system and the holy system. There is rejoicing and honoring God. The world would reject and rebel against God. In fact we are going to come across a sad image of the world knowing the truth, yet rejecting it.

     The invitation is to the wedding of the Lamb [19:7]. This is the Lamb from chapter 5, the one who was slaughtered for our sin providing for our salvation. Notice the bride prepared herself. The image of preparing for a wedding is a very complicated and drawn out event. The lesson for us to “do the next thing.”

     For us to be ready and participate in this event, we must do the next thing. It starts with repentance. The one who does not repent of sin in general and specific sins is not eligible for salvation. I feel sorry for those who find the narrow gate but are unwilling to go further, thinking they have arrived. Being unwilling to do the next thing robs us of blessings.

    Blessing always follows and is conditional on obedience. Obedience is the building process where we expand our capacity to love God (and others) more. Obedience is learning to closely follow the footsteps of Jesus. As we follow Jesus, the less likely we are to damage ourselves and get hurt. Without the extra baggage of pain, we expand our capacity to experience and recognize God’s blessings.

    At this point the bride is given the fines of pure white linen to wear. Jesus tells the story of a marriage feast where someone attended without wedding clothing. It is an image of those who insist on religion on their own terms. They think saved means they are safe. However safe can mean falling back into the slavery of continuing sin.

    What is this gown? It is translated as “good deeds” and “righteous acts” and “acts of justice.” Personally I think all three fulfill the desires of King Jesus. 

    Speaking of justice, think about these things. Is your coffee and chocolate provided without slave labor? Is your clothing made by adults being paid a fair wage? Are your tax dollars going toward murdering children, degrading women, and spreading life sucking sin? Does your jewelry come at the cost of blood? “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” [Matthew 25:40 ESV]