Read Revelation 19:6–10
Today, we step further into the celebration that started yesterday. Joy permeates this scene. John starts by describing “something like the voice of a vast multitude” (19:6). We have seen this phrase twice before in Revelation, once to describe Jesus’ voice and again to portray the 144,000 (see 1:15 and 14:2). The phrase also alludes to Daniel 10:6, when the prophet sees the Son of Man and immediately faints. So, following the trend, this phrase indicates that whatever comes next is a big deal—and this most definitely is. The vast multitude praises God because “the marriage of the Lamb has come” (19:7). It is the culmination of God’s plan for all of history. Humanity will soon be reunited with God!
So why, in the midst of all that celebration, do we pause to focus on what the bride is wearing? It goes far deeper than appearances, as John indicates in verse eight: “For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.” It would be inappropriate to show up to a wedding without putting in some effort to look nice. Similarly, we cannot expect to show up to eternity with Jesus if we have not served Him here on earth. The fine linen clothes the bride wears show that our preparedness for the wedding comes from the godly work done during our lives. But do not take that idea too far. Notice that the bride was given the fine linen. Our goodness is only possible because it is a gift from God.
Just two verses later, John exemplifies humanity’s need for God. John falls at an angel’s feet and is chastised. Even John, the disciple Jesus loved, makes a mistake and tries to worship something other than God. But the angel quickly corrects him, saying, “Worship God, because the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). The first part of that statement is simple, but the second part has puzzled many who pondered it. Though we may not be exactly sure what the angel means, his admonition undoubtedly reminds us that our faith conversations should center around Jesus. Whether we are teachers, parents, students, CEOs, or entry-level employees, our lives and testimonies should keep Jesus at the core.
