Anticipating The Wedding Feast

I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder:

“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 19:6-8

In Scriptures, the revelation of God calls forth one of two responses. Either we are to fall silent before his awesome presence—or we are to shout out our praises! The author of Revelation was granted a vision of that day in the future when God’s people—the bride—would celebrate their union with Jesus—the Lamb. In John’s vision, a voice from God’s throne leads God’s people in praise: “Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.” This grand celebration commemorates the ultimate reason Jesus came to the earth. He came to buy his people back from their slavery to sin, so that they could become joyful members of his eternal kingdom.

This vision of our joyful union with Christ should always remain before us, as we serve Jesus on this earth.

• Praise the Lord! You reign, O Lord God. I rejoice and honor you . . .