At Bible class we had the 41st lesson on the Book of Revelation last Sunday. We focused our thoughts on Revelation 19: 1-10. God has punished Babylon described as the harlot for her sins and corruption of the earth and the people.
John in his vision hears the resounding Amens and Hallelujahs, the praises and thanksgiving all coming from heaven. Salvation comes from the Lord, He is worthy of our praise! Revelation is about worship and there is plenty of it in the book.
This portion gives a description of the 'the marriage of the Lamb to the church.' The church of Christ, the people of God is the bride of the Lamb. The Lord described as the Bridegroom, had paid the dowry or price - the pain, suffering and death on the cross on Calvary. No one else could do it. Now is the glorification of the church, the body of Christ.
It is interesting to note the metaphor of marriage to describe the full and final union between Christ and the Church. In the New Testament we read of marriages and weddings in the parables of Jesus. Paul uses the picture of marriage in 2 Corinthians 11: 2 "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Him." I pray daily for myself and my many friends that we be kept pure and holy and be ready for our Lord when He comes again to receive us into Glory and to be with Him forever!
Let me end with some thoughts on marriage. There are four elements we need to bear in mind.
Love - the basis of relationship
Intimacy - the two are one flesh.
Joy - the joy of loving and being loved.
Fidelity - faithfulness to each other always.
May the Lord by His grace keep us faithful to Him.
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