Revelation 19

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The roar of the crowd, four great hallelujahs (19:1-6). The Lamb and His bride (19:7-9). The Second Coming, the Word of God (19:11-16). Armageddon, doom of beast, false prophet (19:17-21). Thousand year sentence (20:1-3). Martyrs resurrected (20:4-6). Satan defeated (20:7-10). The Book of Life, final Judgment (20:11-15).

The Battle of Armegeddon usually captures our attention in chapter 19. But the first part of the chapter is devoted to a great multitude that is saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God (19:1). Alleluia is taken from the Hebrew and is made up of two words — Hallel, meaning "praise" and jah which we translate Jehovah, meaning "The Eternal, Self-Existent God" — the I AM. A voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye His servants (19:5).

We offer thanksgiving for all that the Lord has done, does and is doing. When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? (Ps. 8:3-4).

Praise is our attempt at showing God our reverence and appreciation for who He is in all of His wonderful attributes. I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth (34:1). O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! . . . For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen (Rom. 11:33,36). Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen (I Tim. 1:17).

Too often some use the worldly term "good luck"; or when something disappointing happens, they may say, "Oh, that is too bad." But Christians should use Biblical language acknowledging the Lord's working in our lives.

Recognizing the Lord in our daily circumstances will soon cause our whole life to take on a new dimension. We will experience satisfaction which the worldly-minded cannot comprehend. Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me? (Jer. 32:27). Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you (I Pet. 5:7). Resting in God and responding: "Praise the Lord!" is an acknowledgment we really are satisfied with His arrangements.

By Him (Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name (Heb. 13:15).

Thought for Today:

And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord (Ps. 40:3).

Cross References:

For Rev. 19:2: See Ps. 19:9; Deut. 32:43; II Kin. 9:7. Rev. 19:5: See Ps. 115:13. Rev. 19:11: See Ps. 96:13. Rev. 19:16: See Deut. 10:17. Rev. 19:18: See Ezek. 39:4. Rev. 20:2-3: See Is. 24:22. Rev. 20:8: See Ezek. 38:2,15. Rev. 20:12: See Dan. 7:10.

Word Studies:

19:6 Omnipotent =All-Powerful; 19:13 vesture =robe; 20:9 compassed =surrounded.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Doyle Foss • Staff: Ken Sharp • Country: Sao Tome and Principe (155,000) two larger and several smaller islands in the Gulf of Guinea, 125 miles off the western coast of Africa • Major language: Portuguese • Religious freedom is fairly new • 83% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant; 2% animist • Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake all sin (Is. 59:12-13).

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 28:20