Tomorrow I leave with a tour group to Israel for two weeks.  I always enjoy my time in that fascinating country.  There will be 22 in our tour group this year, one of the smaller ones, but I believe God has sent some wonderful people to travel with us.  A high light for this tour is a visit to Petra, the rose-city, nestled into the rocks on the Jordanian side of the Jordan River.  It is a place full of history, and its story is not yet completed, if we understand the biblical story correctly.  Also new to this tour is a stop in Eilat, the city Solomon built on the Red Sea as a port for his ships.  We will also visit Solomon's copper mines as we journey from Eilat up to the Dead Sea.  And, Jerusalem will be extra special as that city will be in readiness for Passover which begins two days after we leave.  So, there will be no Musings for the next couple of weeks...wish you were all traveling with us so you could experience Israel for yourselves.  Thank you for your prayers for our group.  And I know that Marlys will appreciate prayers as well as she is not traveling with us this year because of her work schedule.  When I get back I will give you a full and complete report.

 

This week we begin the exciting study of Revelation 19, one of the most interesting chapters in the book.  We are going to spend several weeks in this chapter as there is so much for us to ponder.  We begin with a feast and a marriage of unusual proportions.  So, let's get ready to celebrate!

 

Revelation 19 introduces us to the greatest event the earth has every witnessed - the second coming of Christ to earth to establish His millennial reign.  Revelation 19 forms the bridge between the Great Tribulation and the Millennium.  There are two great events in this chapter: 1) the marriage of the Lamb and 2) the second coming of Christ. 

 

I.  Joy in Heaven - Revelation 19:1-10

 

    A.  "After these things" - Revelation 19:1 - this follows Revelation 18:20 where the call to rejoice is heard.

    B.  There is a different perspective on the part of the saints - Revelation 19:2-3

 

          1.  They now see things from God's viewpoint

          2.  For what do they give praise?

 

                a.  For the destruction of the harlot who was the apostate church

                b.  Because Christ will soon reign without someone attempting to take His throne - He will have absolute control

                c.  The blood of the martyrs is about to be avenged

                d.  The marriage of the Lamb can now take place - the false bride has been destroyed

 

    C.  Last mention of the 24 elders - Revelation 19:4

 

          1.  These elders represented the raptured church in heaven during the Tribulation; from now on the Church will be called the Bride

          2.  The word Church refers to a called out group, but when we are raptured we will be called the Bride

 

    D.  When does this marriage of the Lamb take place?

 

          1.  As long as the harlot, the apostate church, was on earth, the marriage of the Lamb could not take place in heaven

          2.  Once this apostate church is destroyed, then the marriage of the Lamb takes place.

          3.  It would appear from the text that this destruction takes place during the middle of the Tribulation

          4.  Then, the Marriage of the Lamb takes place during the last 3 and 1/2 years of the Tribulation

 

    E.  The Marriage Supper of the Lamb - Revelation 19:7-10

 

          1.  There were 3 separate stages or parts of an oriental marriage:

 

                a.  Marriage contract consummated either by one or both of the fathers of the young man and the young lady - this was called a betrothal and was legally binding - Matthew 1:18-25

                      (spiritual betrothal - 2 Corinthians 11:2)

 

                b.  This came when the young people became of marriageable age and the young man would say to his father, "fetch me the bride to whom I am espoused and present her to me" - this was called the presentation.

                      (spiritual presentation is seen in Ephesians 5:25-27 and occurs at the time of the Rapture)

 

                c.  Marriage supper or feast

 

                      1) Matthew 22:1-14 - those not interested in attending the wedding feat prepared by a king for his son

                      2) Matthew 25:1-13 - picture of Israel on earth at the end of the Tribulation waiting for Christ to return from heaven with His bride, the Church; some will be prepared to meet Him and will be able to enter the Millennium, but others will not be prepared and will not be able to enter the Millennium

 

      2.  What are the guests at this supper?

 

             a.  John the Baptist - John 3:29

            b.  Old Testament saints - Luke 13:28-29

            c.  Believers martyred during the Tribulation - Revelation 20:4

            d.  Redeemed Israel - Matthew 25:1-13

            e.  Believing Gentiles saved during the Tribulation - Matthew 25:31-34

            f.  Possibly angels will be present - Hebrews 1:6