Revelation 18-19 | The Four Hallelujahs

This joyous, wondrous life we share is just a shadowed view,

Of what we’ll celebrate above as we are wed to YOU!

We live in the shadowlands, as C.S. Lewis said. This present darkness colors everything about this world. It often obscures the view of the reality of what is happening and will happen soon.

But what God has planned, and the kingdom He is building, is pictured all around us, merely waiting for the lifting of the veil. And no picture is greater than the marriage of a bride and groom, the picture of our coming marriage to the Lamb.

There are 4 “Hallelujahs” in Revelation 19. The vast multitude of heaven cannot contain themselves and break forth in glorious praise for four reasons:

HALLELUJAH! Because all power and honor, and glory belong to God. (vs. 1)
HALLELUJAH! Because the great harlot has been overthrown. That which has afflicted the work of the kingdom martyred the saints and persecuted the Church … the Almighty God has now reduced her to nothing, and judgment and justice have come. She will not rise again! (vs. 2-3)
HALLELUJAH! As the elders of heaven, from their exalted and now-made-perfect view cannot contain their praise as the end unfolds. (vs. 4)
HALLELUJAH! A final praise like a “mighty sound,” a “great multitude, like many rushing waters and mighty peals of thunder.” Those in the new Kingdom praise “The Lord” (there is no other Sovereign); “Our God” (the One who has personally saved us); “The Almighty” (He who has perfect power to accomplish anything); “who reigns” (He has always reigned, but now it is fully seen and fully realized. No clouds obstruct the view of the One seated on the throne) No wonder they sing!

But why are they rejoicing? They announce the reason for their hallelujah…

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” (vs. 7)

THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB HAS COME

No more waiting … no more longing … no more hesitation … no more suffering … no more restraint … no more distance from the One we love.

THE BRIDE IS READY!

One day soon … the music of heaven will begin to play!

One day soon … the Great groom will come to take His Bride forever!

One day soon … The Bride (the Church from all the ages) will be ready, not by her own doing, but because there has been “given to her fine linen, bright and clean.”

One day soon … the marriage of the Lamb will happen, for this groom has given His life that His Bride should be prepared for Him and forever worship Him in stunned adoration for His sacrifice!

This joyous, wondrous life we share is just a shadowed view;

Of what we’ll celebrate above as we are wed to YOU!

Hallelujah, Father! You will fulfill Your promises completely to us, one day soon! Help me to see this today and live in light of the glories we will soon experience!