The celebration reiterates the deception of sorcery that was used to
tempt believers and unbelievers (nations, peoples) alike, leaning on the
devil's power, and the persecution of the faithful, in cahoots with the beast.
The prayers of the multitude before the throne for justice over their blood
(Rev. 6:9-11) have now been answered. The multitude rejoices. The twenty-four
elders and the four living beings join in the worship. God Himself speaks from
the throne enjoining all to join in. Then the multitude sings again, perhaps
even a greater multitude, since it sounds like rushing waters and thunder,
while first multitude worshiped with voice. It turns out that this worship
service is the beginning of a wedding.
The
bride will wear white, but a particular kind of clean and shining cotton. This is the legally declared just acts of the
holy ones. Acts in this case seems unlikely to refer to simple abstention from
sin, although that is implicit in the earlier commendation for coming out of
the harlot and her wicked ways. The just actions most likely refer to deeds
that were done, deeds that flow from doing justice, loving mercy, and walking
in humility with the Lord. And throughout church history believers have cared
for the sick, fed, clothed, and housed the poor, and stood up for the
downtrodden. Charity did not begin or end with Mother Teresa, she was just the
most well-known of her generation. Even the most humble and unknown caretaker
serving in Jesus' name will be clothed in this same brilliant linen. There is a
new beatitude, a special blessing of happiness, on those who are invited to this
wedding, the same blessedness that Jesus gave in Matthew 5:3-11, and an
affirmation that this blessing is from God.
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