Frantic Friday?

This passage is well worth reading twice. If you are a Christian, this is where you are heading. Drink in the scene, be excited, and praise God!

I saw in heaven another great and marvellous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues – last, because with them God’s wrath is completed. And I saw what looked like a sea of glass glowing with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and its image and over the number of its name. They held harps given them by God and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb:

“Great and marvellous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the nations.
Who will not fear you, Lord,
and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

Revelation 15:1-4

• How are the people standing by the sea described?
• Why do you think verse 3 mentions Moses? (Clue: What Old Testament event featured Moses and the sea?)

The raging sea is an Old Testament picture of the powers of evil, the forces of chaos and de-creation. On the last day, the sea will be calm as a millpond because of God’s victory.

The sea also reminds us of the exodus. As God rescued His people from Egypt, bringing them through the sea to His land, so one day there will be another exodus, when God brings His people out of this world, and to His heavenly city.

What does the song in verse 4 declare about:

• God’s deeds and ways?
• God Himself?

When the LORD rescued His Old Testament people, they and Moses praised Him in song. On the last day, when the ultimate rescue is complete, God’s people will sing. But we can sing on the way, too. Singing is one way we as God’s people celebrate His rescue of us, and remind each other of the wonder of being His rescued people. So when we meet together, we sing. How could we not?!

• How will remembering the way God has rescued you, and where you are heading, change the way you feel and sing at church next Sunday?

We know God’s judgment is right, and that it’s coming. But at times, we can still find it hard to come to terms with. But on the last day we will not struggle with God’s justice, but will praise Him for it. We will see clearly that the way the King of the nations has done everything is good, and right, and just. Give thanks to Him for that now!

This is an edited extract from Explore Bible reading notes.