Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.
2 And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands.3 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! 4 Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” 5 After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened,6 and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. 7 And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, 8 and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished. Meditation The already accomplished victory of Jesus will one day be fully applied. The kingdom of Jesus has been inaugurated and will soon be fully consummated, removing the wicked and their wickedness from the world through the complete application of God’s wrath. When we sing FROM Christ’s salvation, our hearts will begin to beat with Heaven to fuel hope and holiness. John sees another sign, this one pointing to the completion of God’s wrath against the wicked and their wickedness in the world (1-2). The “seven” angels and plagues are introduced in today’s reading, emphasizing the complete accomplishment of God’s wrath (1, 5-8). John sees a “sea of glass” with conquerors consecrated by Christ’s victory to form a chorus to sing (another) song, this one an ancient song of salvation. The song of Moses was sung after victory over the Egyptian army when Israel crossed the Red Sea (Exodus 15). Continuing themes of Moses first song (God’s victory, His rule over nations, the fear of Him, and His holiness; 3-4), this reprise is sung before victory over the wicked. In struggle, saints are secure in God’s steadfast love to sing of salvation! Later visions will reveal the execution of the complete application of God’s wrath, but celestial saints are already singing of victory. With grateful hearts, Christians join the heavenly chorus by singing of salvation in a world of struggle and suffering. Richly Dwelling -What stands out to you about the song of salvation sung by the heavenly choir? -The “sea of glass” represents the calm coming from Christ’s finished work, peace in a world of problems and pain. Do you have a settled and secure spirit from Christ’s sure victory demonstrated by His rule and reign? Why or why not? -Jesus is King and He rules over everything, even now. Will you join the chorus of Heaven by singing of Christ’s salvation? Key Verse 3 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Comments are closed.
|
AuthorPastor Mitchell celebrates twenty-five years of marriage with Lisa & together they have four adventurous children. |