When Jesus comes, there will be a grand celebration by the bride, the people of God:
The Sound of a Great Multitude
6And I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude, like the rushing of many waters, and like a mighty rumbling of thunder, crying out: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 7Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. 8She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints. 9Then the angel told me to write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:6-9).
Clothed in Fine Linen: The Priesthood of Believers
The apostle John hears a great multitude so loud that it sounds like a vast waterfall—a rushing of many waters. One more Hallelujah rises to God at the realization that the evil age has ended and that the Messiah of Israel sits on the throne of His father, David (v. 6). There will be heavenly rejoicing because the marriage of the Lamb has come. What glorious fine linen robes we will be wearing on that day! (v. 8). Believers in Christ will be changed into His image and show forth His glory (2 Corinthians 3:18), “For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10). Fine bright, pure linen was the priests' clothing who ministered before the altar; they were the only ones who could draw close to God, but a time is coming when all believers will don the priestly white linen clothes of those who are made righteous.
When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen clothes; they must not wear any woolen garment while ministering at the gates of the inner court or inside the Temple (Ezekiel 44:17).
No More Sweat: Grace vs. The Curse
Nothing of wool was to be worn by the priesthood because wool brings forth sweat, and no man shall draw near to God by the sweat of his brow, i.e., the work done under the curse placed on the earth: “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground” (Genesis 3:19). The fine linen clothes, bright and pure, given to her (v. 8), speak of believers becoming the new priesthood. God has made His bride kings and priests: “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10).
Four Hallelujahs: A New Deliverance
In contrast to the lament from those on earth who mourn the fall of Babylon the Great, we witness a triumphant shout of joy from the saints of God. Four hallelujahs ring out (vs. 1, 3, 4, 6). Hallelujah is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew words Hallel and Yahweh, meaning "Praise the Lord." It appears in the New Testament only four times, and all four are found in this chapter. The Hebrew word Hallel appears in Psalms 113-118. Jewish people sang these Psalms as they ascended to the heights of Jerusalem and the Temple for the yearly Passover celebration. They praised God for His glorious deliverance of the nation from slavery in Egypt, as recorded in the Book of Exodus (Psalms 111:1; 112:1; 113:1).
We read of a second deliverance from slavery in the Book of Revelation. The first was from Pharaoh and Egypt, but in the end times, God will deliver His people again from slavery to the Antichrist. This time, it will include not only Jewish believers in Jesus but also believing Gentiles (Jeremiah 16:14-15). Messiah will come to save and deliver all who have trusted Him. They praise God for His salvation, His glorious appearance in light, His power to destroy the enemy, and His bringing to nothing all earthly kingdoms set up in opposition to the Lord.
Application: Living for the Marriage Supper
1. Prepare Your "Linen": The text says the fine linen is the "righteous acts of the saints." While we are saved by grace, our lives should reflect that grace. Today, look for one "righteous act"—a word of encouragement, an act of service, or a moment of integrity—as a way of "getting ready" for the King.
2. Rest from "Sweat": Remember that the priests couldn't wear wool because it caused sweat (human effort under the curse). In your spiritual life, stop trying to "earn" God’s favor through stressful striving. Rest in the finished work of Christ.
3. Practice Your Hallelujah: The multitude in Revelation 19 is loud and joyful. Even if your current circumstances feel difficult, take three minutes today to praise God for His final victory. Your "Hallelujah" now is a rehearsal for the celebration to come. Keith Thomas
Continue Your Journey…
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