And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” … Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. (Revelation 19:4, 6)

In Middle With Mystery we often wade off from the shoreline into deeper waters, but with Revelation, one step, and we are in over our heads. What are we to do with the Book of Revelation? There is not much practical application here unless it is to make sure our wardrobes are predominantly white—with curious frequency, people wear white in this book.

I’m writing at a friend’s desk, who happens to be named John, who happens to be an apostle within a network of intercessory warriors. Being big on divine-coincidence, I look around for anything else that might just be happening. On the bookshelf right in front of me, I see it. It is Storm Warning by Billy Graham, who also wrote Approaching Hoofbeats: The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse.

In his books, he exposes the great harlot of Babylon who seduces men into affairs with this world. However, while they are drunk with greed, the saints are forming a vision of their Father’s kingdom. John’s book is high protein revelation to the faith-infected souls absorbed in the “more” of God. Revelation even adds particulars to mysteries such as the Marriage Supper of the Lamb:

 “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” (Revelation 19:7-9)

The apostle Paul knew how to dress himself for this occasion. He knew better than to dress himself with his flawless résumé and his Jewish pedigree. Paul saw everything he was or might have been, as buried in Christ. He also saw himself as being raised up, perfectly clothed in ChristChrist alone constituted Paul’s wardrobe. He was convinced Jesus was due considerable honor, which he had not yet received on earth. With all the saints, Paul longs for this banquet where Jesus will be honored and worshipped in a manner worthy of his stature.

 It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. (Revelation 19:8)

It was no longer Paul who lived but Christ lived in him and through him. As it is with all saints, Paul had to learn how to labor in the yoke of Christ, how to carry the burden so that it was light. The life of a saint is a simple and yet mysterious experience. Jesus himself must ultimately show us how to make ourselves ready and cloth ourselves in fine linen, bright and clean. 

Father, may we hear afresh your invitation to draw near. May we stir afresh the gift of Christ that we may live out of your limitless life, escaping the restrictions of our time bound and diluted thoughts. Through you and by you and for you, Lord, may our hearts be made ready with praise. Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to you. May our voices blend and add to the sounds of many waters saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.” Amen.

 

 

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