The marriage supper of the Lamb
May 23, 2020
Commentary
In chapter 19 the Great Tribulation is now coming to an end and the spotlight focuses on heaven (v. 1). The bride of Christ (the true church) joins her Bridegroom (the Lord) at “the marriage supper of the Lamb” (v. 7). For the Christians this is a great time of rejoicing as a great multitude in heaven initiates the chorus of praise to God (vv. 1-3). At last, it will be a time when all the saints will be with the Savior forever. The bride has just been made ready at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Should people rejoice because there is a Hell? Yes, because without Hell there would be no Heaven. Should people rejoice because sinners who reject Christ must come to the judgment of God? Yes, otherwise Heaven would be ruined for everybody; and God would even lose His honor and respect. This does not mean that we are not to be sorrowful over those who do reject Him. In Scripture marriage is often used to describe the relationship of Christians to God or Christ to the Church. Normally a wedding is announced in the name of the bride but not this one. It is announced as “the marriage of the Lamb,” and He, not the bride, will be the center of attraction (v. 7). For this glorious occasion the bride of necessity had to make herself ready. This preparation includes: (v. 8)
1. Regeneration: – Acceptance of the marriage offer of the lamb.
2. Dedication: – The desire to be properly clothed for the wedding.
3. Consecration: – A willingness to receive what is given her for this joyous event.
Application
I am looking forward to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb when we as the Bride of Christ will be assembled in heaven with our wonderful Lord. It will be a special time to rejoice.
Revelation 19:1– 9 (NET)
1 After these things I heard what sounded like the loud voice of a vast throng in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
2 because his judgments are true and just. For he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality, and has avenged the blood of his servants poured out by her own hands!”
3 Then a second time the crowd shouted, “Hallelujah!” The smoke rises from her forever and ever. 4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures threw themselves to the ground and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne, saying: “Amen! Hallelujah!”
5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God all you his servants, and all you who fear him, both the small and the great!”
6 Then I heard what sounded like the voice of a vast throng, like the roar of many waters and like loud crashes of thunder. They were shouting: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the All-Powerful, reigns!
7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him glory, because the wedding celebration of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
8 She was permitted to be dressed in bright, clean, fine linen” (for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints).
9 Then the angel said to me, “Write the following: Blessed are those who are invited to the banquet at the wedding celebration of the Lamb!” He also said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
Illustration: Rejoicing as we concentrate on all we have left
While walking along a busy street one day, I heard someone singing. His sweet voice was distinguishable even above the noise of the traffic. When I located him, I noticed that he had no legs and was pushing himself through the crowd in a wheelchair. Catching up with him, I said, “I want you to know, friend, that to hear singing from a person in your condition gives everyone else a lift."He answered with a grateful smile, “When I thought about what I had lost and began concentrating on all I had left, I found much for which I could rejoice.” ( Encyclopedia of Illustrations #13176).