John's vision continues with the multitudes of heaven crying out in worship for God's salvation and judgment as He has brought destruction upon his enemies personified in the Prostitute known as Babylon. The scene reminds us of the opening scenes of the vision, and the smoke that rises from Babylon is a grisly counterpart to the incense that rises continually before the Lord in prayer and worship. Even the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures are here in worship, crying out, "Amen, Hallelujah!" That is, "Praise the Lord." (At one of the Easter services, one of the children told me that "Hallelujah!" means, "WOO HOO!" and that seems fitting here as these people celebrate God's victory.)
The voice of the multitude again cries out in worship because the marriage of the Lamb has come. This is a long awaited event filled with joy. Weddings are that way. There is much preparation and anticipation, so when the day comes it is a time for great celebration! God has been preparing for this day out of eternity. This is the restoration of the relationship between God and Man. While Jesus has already paid the price and given us forgiveness which makes us right with God, this is like the solemnizing of what was promised. The angel reminds John that, "These are the true words of God," opposed to all the false words of the dragon and his minions.
John is so overwhelmed by the joy of the fulfillment of God's promises that he is seeing laid out before him that he falls down to worship this angel. And, while the angel stops John, I think this only goes to show how easily our hearts become confused. Many people worship angels and saints and the like, but this angel reminds us that we are fellow servants with all who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship is for God alone.
The scene shifts and John sees the Rider on the White Horse (different from the rider in chapter 6) leading the armies of heaven – both the saints and angels seem to be present here – into battle against the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies. This rider is called "Faithful and True," his eyes are like flame, and he wears many diadems – real crowns. This is the glorified Jesus, and he stands against the lies and deceptions on the dragon and his beasts. His secret name reminds us of when God revealed his personal name to Moses, and he is called The Word of God. In his Gospel, John refers to Jesus as the Word, and this is an important link between these books.
Notice that it says nothing about the actual combat. This is because Jesus has already won this victory. We will stand arrayed for battle, but the victory belongs to Jesus, and he has given it to us through faith!
Father in heaven, we thank you for our mighty King of kings and Lord of lords, we sometimes get confused and worship improperly, focus our hearts and minds on Jesus and help us to hold to His testimony and share it with others so they may experience the joy of his marriage supper! In His name I pray. Amen.
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