6/28/2023

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READING:

“Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!‘ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.’” (Revelation 19.9)

TODAY’S REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

As we proceed into chapter 19, I would continue with the image of molten lava combated by the ocean water turning it to stone. It is that very ocean whose wave action will turn the stone into grains of sand. So, then we find Babylon being revealed as merely an idol of false imagery, as something made of stone or wood. Babylon had only perceived power created by the projection of an image which served the imagination of mortals (those who see their lives as only of “this world.”) Time and again in the witness of the Old Testament, the people of God are warned against “idolatry.” Idol worship is idle worship. It serves no “good” purpose. And by this I mean that “good” is what serves the will of God as the means of authentic life and living. I would suggest to us all that we keep this understanding of “good” within all our decision-making. Such understanding helps us to discern what is true and what is false. Little wonder that when “good” is interpreted to mean what serves my understanding of life and living according to the flesh, we find trouble “right here in River City; trouble, trouble, trouble.” It was that millstone thrown into the ocean raising a tsunami against the “burning of Babylon” which turned it into stone. It would be the continual wave action of faith, that living water as Jesus would offer to the woman at the well, which would reduce the stone to grains of sand and in that we may truly hear “ashes to ashes and dust to dust.”

What is the consequence of Babylon’s demise? The veil of deception and disillusionment is removed. The world begins to see how fragile it is without faith in God. What happens when our “defense” is removed or threatened? Don’t we have that sudden urge to defend ourselves? And that is what happens in chapter 19. The righteous, the called of God who are invited to the wedding and wedding feast of the Lamb and His Bride- the Church, know their defense is sure. Those whose trust is in God their Savior who has effected the promise of salvation for His people through Jesus as the Christ have only one true “task.” That task is to praise God “all the days of their lives.” Even when the Enemy rises up to defend itself against the Conqueror who rides out of the Temple in Heaven, those who trust in the Lord are confident. They sing praises along with the twenty-four elders surrounding the Throne who cast down their crowns and rejoice. Yes, the Enemy rises up in great force to stand against “The King of kings.” Their numbers are great and would easily fill a “lesser man” with fear as it had in the past. The threat had always been there in part and was sufficient to stave off any prior thought of rebellion and insurrection by humanity. But, the “Rider” is not just any man. This “Man” is the Son of God who was, is and will always be. He has experienced life, death and life again through the lens of “sacrifice and servanthood.” It is by His obedience to the Will of God that He is in power now. In fact, He is so powerful that none of the forces against the people of God and the throne of God can withstand His coming. With the power of seduction (the attribute of Babylon) removed, the Beast and the False Prophet are easily revealed. They are without cover and truly are without power. They stand out clearly in the light of God’s justice. Nothing can be hidden and the truth of that reality is now fully visible in the glory of the “Rider.” They are taken captive and thrown into prison. The head of the snake has been removed (but not yet crushed…remembering the promise God made to Eve in the beginning). This leaves the body of the snake, that is- the Serpent, to writhe on the ground without direction. It is easily destroyed by the “Rider.” While the armies who march with the “Rider” are indeed numerous, they become only witnesses of the power of the Lamb of God. By His word, the sword which proceeds from His mouth, the order is given not only for their defeat but their ultimate demise. What is that demise? It is to become a feast for the fowl of the air called together for that very moment.

And what does this all say to us as mighty ones of God? Is it not the reiteration of the call from God’s Word, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all yours ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3.5-6) God has promised to save us from our sins and the consequence of those sins. What is the consequence of sin but death and the total separation from the blessing of God’s love. No one can truly live without that blessing and the connection it brings between the spirit of humanity and the spirit of God. It is the reunion every soul craves but not every soul realizes. This is a sad truth. I wish it were not so, mighty ones of God. In the light of His mercy and grace there will be many many people who will still turn away and reject the love of God who alone can save them. It is upon us to extend the invitation to the “Wedding of the Lamb” to all the world. We are to live out the joy of anticipation for that divine and supreme event. We are to prepare ourselves and others for the moment when the trumpet shall sound. That trumpet will be one of joy and gladness for the Groom is coming to take His Bride. She has, as is now supposed to be, prepared herself for the love of her life- Jesus the Christ. Are we doing that? Are we living in such confidence, awareness, preparation and anticpation? God’s love is like two sides of the same coin. On one side is justice as demanded by the call of sin. On the other side is the mercy as commanded by the call of righteousness. Let this truth be made known to all the earth. Let us go into all our worlds and proclaim the gospel so that others may be made disciples in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY:

You are our God and we shall be Your people in spirit and in truth. Continue to dwell among us. Let the revelation by Your Holy Spirit inspire us to greater service in a more refined identity. We do not live as ourselves for ourselves. Rather, we live in Christ as He lives in us. We declare it with all the elders and angels in Heaven, saying “Holy, holy, holy is He who was and is and is to come.” In Jesus’ name we live, serve and pray. AMEN.