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1 I saw another great and marvelous sign in the sky: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them God's wrath is finished. 2 I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. 3 They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty! Righteous and true are your ways, you King of the nations. 4 Who wouldn't fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? For you only are holy. For all the nations will come and worship before you. For your righteous acts have been revealed."
the song of the Lamb
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn't know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. (John 15:15)
Jesus, the Lamb of God who was sent to take away the sins of the world, is the One who told us we are not identified as servants but as His friends. Consequently the Song of the Lamb is exponentially more glorious than the glory of Moses and the law. Paul emphasizes this when comparing the old level of glory with the far exceeding glory released in the light of the revelation of God's infinitely better solution than anything ever imagined by previous prophets and kings.
...our sufficiency is from God; who also made us sufficient as servants of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. But if the service of death, written engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look steadfastly on the face of Moses for the glory of his face; which was passing away: won't service of the Spirit be with much more glory? For if the service of condemnation has glory, the service of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
For most certainly that which has been made glorious has not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasses. For if that which passes away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory. Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech, and not as Moses, who put a veil on his face, that the children of Israel wouldn't look steadfastly on the end of that which was passing away. But their minds were hardened, for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains, because in Christ it passes away. But to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. But whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:5-18)
Last time we mentioned a rehearsal of these two songs in chapter 19 where we see the contrast between these two with a corrective voice from the throne of God that stops the first song, followed by a reset to get the song right in the end. Here is the second song that parallels what we will study today, the perception of reality and God through the matured and passionate devotion by those who use their harps and voices to praise the Lamb they follow passionately wherever He leads them.
I heard something like the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thunders, saying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns! Let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let us give the glory to him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready." It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. (Revelation 19:6-8)
Notice how closely this song resonates with what we are immersing ourselves in here in chapter 15. It is no coincidence that both passages also use the same phrase, Lord God, the Almighty. This is the Song of the Lamb being sung by the special agents of the Lamb who have learned this song so well they are commissioned to use it in the most important assault at the most crucial time of the war that accomplishes a breakthrough that reverberates throughout the rest of history. This is because they have come to be unresisting channels for the power of the Almighty to flow through them so efficiently that no amount of fear or darkness can long withstand the intensity of light, love and truth that is to be poured out on the kingdom of evil and darkness and fear.
This verse in Revelation 15 may outline differences of emphasis between the song of Moses and the more refined Song of the Lamb. View them parallel to each other to see this more clearly.
Song of Moses Song of the Lamb
Great Righteous/just - equitable
Marvelous True
Your works Your ways
Lord God, the Almighty! King of the nations/saints
Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty!
We must not overlook the repetition of this same phrase from earlier in this chapter. We previously spent time unpacking this great and marvelous idea, but here we need to unpack it further to see how it will be refined in the Song of the Lamb. Keep in mind this phrase would correspond more to the Song of Moses.
In the Greek the word megas translated here as great, means big, exceedingly great, high, large, loud, mighty, strong. This could resonate with the idea of hierarchy. If this is what opens the song of Moses, compare it to its counterpart in the next song that opens with the word righteous (or just, depending on what translation you use). That word in the Greek literally means equitable. What is the difference between viewing someone as mega-great, mighty, high and strong, compared to perceiving someone as equitable, right, more like what we might call fair?
Equitable is closely linked to the word equal or equality. This highlights one of the most startling contrasts in how God is viewed in the Old Testament and what is revealed by Jesus in the New.
For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, "I will declare your name to my brothers. In the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise." Again, "I will put my trust in him." Again, "Behold, here I am with the children whom God has given me." Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:11-15)
Now I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. He said to me, "See you don't do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers, the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God." (Revelation 22:8-9)
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn't know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. You didn't choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you. "I command these things to you, that you may love one another. (John 15:15-17)
Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; (John 17:20-22)
As we have been discovering, the New Song is the primary weapon of the special ops agents of the Lamb used to overcome all the power of evil and darkness. This chapter along with the next clarifies the reality of this truth and even expands it to a whole new level of intensity.
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)
The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around about and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!" (Revelation 4:8)
The twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God's throne, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: "We give you thanks, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who was; because you have taken your great power, and reigned. The nations were angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to give your bondservants the prophets, their reward, as well as to the saints, and those who fear your name, to the small and the great; and to destroy those who destroy the earth." (Revelation 11:16-18)
I heard the altar saying, "Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments." (Revelation 16:7)
I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits, something like frogs; for they are spirits of demons, performing signs; which go forth to the kings of the whole inhabited earth, to gather them together for the war of that great day of God, the Almighty. (Revelation 16:13-14)
I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war. Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. (Revelation 19:11, 15)
What must be appreciated in all these passages is the issue of power and how it is exercised by God in particular. This was part of the accusations of Satan from the very outset of his rebellion. The title Almighty directly involves the issue of power. Few doubt that God has limitless access to power. What is being contested is how God chooses to exercise power, whether He uses it to impose His way on others, threatening punishments on those who resist or disobey His directives by means of forceful, imposed power that would violate the principle of freedom.
From the beginning of the war, Satan has asserted that love was too weak to protect the universe from dissension and strife. By launching his own rebellion that resulted in chaos, he artfully shifted the blame for the tragic results onto God, accusing Him both of being too soft on crime while at the same time making God out to be complicit with Satan's use of forced compliance using manipulation by rewards and punishments. The confusion resulting from these contradictory accusations throughout the entire history of the rebellion, began long before this world was involved, and has led to untold amounts of grief, suffering, violence and fear that has exploited God's design of love, truth and freedom for all. Understanding this issue of God's use of power and how it lies at the center of the contest, gives us better perspective to appreciate what is being referenced in these passages as God being viewed as Almighty.
The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates was made of one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple. (Revelation 21:21-22)
Yahweh said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh, for by a strong hand he shall let them go, and by a strong hand he shall drive them out of his land." God spoke to Moses, and said to him, "I am Yahweh; and I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty; but by my name Yahweh I was not known to them.
"I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their travels, in which they lived as aliens. Moreover I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered my covenant. Therefore tell the children of Israel, 'I am Yahweh, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments: and I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God; and you shall know that I am Yahweh your God, who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it to you for a heritage: I am Yahweh.'" (Exodus 6:1-8)
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of Yahweh, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." (Psalms 91:1-2)
In these last three passages we can glimpse God's intent for how He wanted His followers to relate to His Almighty power. It was the way His Son related to power, not using it to save themselves but rather to reflect the glory of God's selfless love to others. The two great commands upon which hang all the principles of creation as encapsulated in the Law and the Prophets, is to make God and His ways supreme in our priorities, and to reflect to others the love we freely receive from Him in healthy appreciation for our own worth and value from His estimation of us. By resting in His love, the power of the Almighty can be released through our lives to accomplish its true objective – to externalize and magnify the glory of selfless love which is the core principle of life in the universe.
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and was going to God, arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 13:3-5)
But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them. When they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted. Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, "All authority/power has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:16-20)
Jesus is the only accurate example of how God relates to power. Jesus is one with the Almighty. He is God's revelation of the true nature of what Almighty means in contrast to the abuse of power by Satan that brings confusion over God's character. Sadly, people of God have too often engaged in exploitive power, even supernatural power at times, in ways that misrepresent God. Jesus warned His disciples of this, alerting them that they would suffer and even be killed at the hands of people pledging allegiance to God, yet failing to appreciate that God is not a power abuser but accomplishes His will solely through the pure principle of love.
They will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time comes that whoever kills you will think that he offers service to God. (John 16:2)
Arise, let's be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand." While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priest and elders of the people. Now he who betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, "Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him." Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed him.
Jesus said to him, "Friend, why are you here?" Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
Behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword. Or do you think that I couldn't ask my Father, and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels? How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?" (Matthew 26:46-54)
This is recorded to alert us to the reality that this issue of power was one of the greatest temptations Jesus faced throughout His entire ministry, starting with the temptations in the wilderness where He was enticed to access His power to save His own life and to avoid suffering. The natural disposition of self-preservation was linked by Satan to distrust of God's heart. The issue of implicit trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God lies at the very heart of the battle between light and darkness, truth and deception, other-centered love versus selfishness. With this awareness for our context, reviewing these references to the Almighty can increase our awareness of how our own temptations may relate to our disposition towards power and directly reflects how we imagine God relates to power.
Satan deceives us over this issue of power, which is why we need to clarify this in our thinking.
Don't you remember that, when I was still with you, I told you these things? Now you know what is restraining him, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season. For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way. Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of his mouth, and destroy by the manifestation of his coming; even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn't receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (2 Thessalonians 2:5-10)
Righteous/just/equitable and true are your ways, you King [Sovereign] of the nations [saints]
I heard the angel of the waters saying, "You are righteous, who are and who were, you Holy One, because you have judged these things. For they poured out the blood of the saints and the prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. They deserve this." I heard the altar saying, "Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments." (Revelation 16:5-7)
for true and righteous are his judgments. For he has judged the great prostitute, who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality, and he has avenged the blood of his servants at her hand." (Revelation 19:2)
I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war. (Revelation 19:11)
What if there are fifty righteous within the city? Will you consume and not spare the place for the fifty righteous who are in it? Be it far from you to do things like that, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be like the wicked. May that be far from you. Shouldn't the Judge of all the earth do right?" (Genesis 18:24-25)
The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice: a God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and right is he. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
In your majesty ride on victoriously on behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness. Let your right hand display awesome deeds. (Psalms 45:4)
Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springs out of the earth. Righteousness has looked down from heaven. (Psalms 85:10-11)
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Loving kindness and truth go before your face. (Psalms 89:14)
Declare you, and bring it forth; yes, let them take counsel together: who has shown this from ancient time? who has declared it of old? Haven't I, Yahweh? and there is no God else besides me, a just God and a Savior; there is no one besides me. (Isaiah 45:21)
If you will return, Israel, says Yahweh, if you will return to me, and if you will put away your abominations out of my sight; then you shall not be removed; and you shall swear, As Yahweh lives, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. (Jeremiah 4:1-2)
Who is wise, that he may understand these things? Who is prudent, that he may know them? For the ways of Yahweh are right, and the righteous walk in them; But the rebellious stumble in them. (Hosea 14:9)
Yahweh, in the midst of her, is righteous. He will do no wrong. Every morning he brings his justice to light. He doesn't fail, but the unjust know no shame. (Zephaniah 3:5)
Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; and I will bring them, and they will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and they will be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness." (Zechariah 8:7-8)
For what if some were without faith? Will their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God? May it never be! Yes, let God be found true, but every man a liar. As it is written, "That you might be justified in your words, and might prevail when you come into judgment." (Romans 3:3-4)
But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God set forth to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God's forbearance; to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:21-26)
If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NRSV)
Who wouldn't fear you, Lord, and glorify your name
For who in the skies can be compared to Yahweh? Who among the sons of the heavenly beings is like Yahweh, a very awesome God in the council of the holy ones, to be feared above all those who are around him? (Psalms 89:6-7)
Hear now this, foolish people, and without understanding; who have eyes, and don't see; who have ears, and don't hear: Don't you fear me? says Yahweh: won't you tremble at my presence, who have placed the sand for the bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it can't pass it? and though the waves of it toss themselves, yet they can't prevail; though they roar, yet they can't pass over it. But this people has a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. (Jeremiah 5:21-23)
Who should not fear you, King of the nations? for to you does it appertain; because among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their royal estate, there is none like you. (Jeremiah 10:7)
This is directly affronted by the darkened mindset of those enamored with power as relied on by the dragon and all its beasts.
They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" (Revelation 13:4)
you only are holy
"You shall make a plate of pure gold, and engrave on it, like the engravings of a signet, 'HOLY TO YAHWEH.' You shall put it on a lace of blue, and it shall be on the sash; on the front of the sash it shall be. It shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall make holy in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always on his forehead, that they may be accepted before Yahweh. (Exodus 28:36-38)
Holy is one of those religious words that has largely been eclipsed by tradition and dark views of God's disposition. Many insist that God's holiness somehow makes it impossible to look on sinners, yet nothing could be further from the truth. They get this notion from a prophet's complaint and protest in his mistaken perception of how God deals with those allowed to execute excessive punishments on people who have strayed from their God.
Are you not from of old, O LORD my God, my Holy One? You shall not die. O LORD, you have marked them for judgment; and you, O Rock, have established them for punishment. Your eyes are too pure to behold evil, and you cannot look on wrongdoing; why do you look on the treacherous, and are silent when the wicked swallow those more righteous than they? (Habakkuk 1:12-13 NRSV)
Habakkuk mirrors what many people assume to be God's disposition towards sinners. They imagine that holiness means God refuses to allow anyone near Him who is not perfect. Yet this is not at all what holiness means, but is a distortion of the underlying problem of sin and its danger.
Notice in the passage we just read from Exodus the phrase that was to be kept on the forehead of the high priest. Holy to... Holiness means devoted to, dedicated to, it always has an object that explains its goal, its focus, its undivided purpose. Holiness is not self-focused but rather an aspect of agape, meaning to be holy is always other-focused. God's holiness means that He is always and ever completely focused on blessing others, ministering to others, uplifting others, loving others. He is the ultimate example as well as the Origin of holiness, and He alone gives definition of its true meaning. Any other definition falls short of appreciating the true nature of agape love.
With this understanding, Holy to the Lord will mean we reflect the same disposition that God has towards us. Our focus, purpose and meaning of existence is to give out what we receive from God. This is how we magnify His reputation and bring honor and glory to Him. This is the true principle of life – receiving from the Source of life in order to give selflessly to others. This is the true meaning of holiness, for holiness perfectly aligns with agape love. It is the enemy who has darkened our perceptions of God's heart over the centuries making Him out to be more like us than like Jesus. But progressively God is revealing the real truth about Himself and His design, to bring us back into harmony with the true principle of holiness, which is simply living in right relationship to our Creator, resting in His unwavering love for us and allowing that love to flow through us within the great circuit of life producing the fruit of praise to our God.
Hannah prayed, and said: My heart exults in Yahweh! My horn is exalted in Yahweh. My mouth is enlarged over my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. There is no one as holy as Yahweh, For there is no one besides you, nor is there any rock like our God. (1 Samuel 2:1-2)
For thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite. (Isaiah 57:15)
The holiness of God is in no way how people too often perceive it, like people who say, Stand by yourself, don't come near to me, for I am holier than you. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all the day. (Isaiah 65:5)
As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except one--God. You know the commandments: 'Do not murder,' 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not give false testimony,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and mother.'" He said to him, "Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth." Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross." But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions. (Mark 10:17-22)
all the nations will come and worship before you
The word translated nations here is ethnos from which we get ethnicity for diverse ethnic races of human beings. This should not be confused with the political use of the word nations.
The humble shall eat and be satisfied. They shall praise Yahweh who seek after him. Let your hearts live forever. All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to Yahweh. All the relatives of the nations shall worship before you. For the kingdom is Yahweh's. He is the ruler over the nations. (Psalms 22:26-28)
By myself have I sworn, the word is gone forth from my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. (Isaiah 45:23)
For I know their works and their thoughts: the time comes, that I will gather all nations and languages; and they shall come, and shall see my glory. (Isaiah 66:18)
Many nations shall join themselves to Yahweh in that day, and shall be my people; and I will dwell in the midst of you, and you shall know that Yahweh of Armies has sent me to you. (Zechariah 2:11)
Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "Many peoples, and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come; and the inhabitants of one shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go speedily to entreat the favor of Yahweh, and to seek Yahweh of Armies. I will go also.' Yes, many peoples and strong nations will come to seek Yahweh of Armies in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of Yahweh." Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "In those days, ten men will take hold, out of all the languages of the nations, they will take hold of the skirt of him who is a Jew, saying, 'We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'" (Zechariah 8:20-23)
But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, "'As I live,' says the Lord, 'to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess to God.'" (Romans 14:10-11)
Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
your righteous acts/judgments have been revealed
Let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let us give the glory to him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready." It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. (Revelation 19:7-8)
Samuel said to the people, It is Yahweh who appointed Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt. Now therefore stand still, that I may plead with you before Yahweh concerning all the righteous acts of Yahweh, which he did to you and to your fathers. (1 Samuel 12:6-7)
With my soul have I desired you in the night. Yes, with my spirit within me will I seek you earnestly; for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. (Isaiah 26:9)
Does this mean everyone repents because of God's judgments? Does learning righteousness include becoming willing to embrace God's way of thinking and living? Jesus defines judgment as light coming that exposes and is unavoidable, but it is not irresistible. Rather, as it becomes clear that God is active, but more importantly as it becomes obvious as to what motivates Him in contrast to how He has been accused of being like, the world will come to learn what righteousness actually means, not how we have come to define it.
My people, remember now what Balak king of Moab devised, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of Yahweh." (Micah 6:5)
This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. (John 3:19)
For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek. For in it is revealed God's righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, "But the righteous shall live by faith." (Romans 1:16-17)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse. Because, knowing God, they didn't glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves, (Romans 1:18-24)
Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God; (Romans 2:4-5)
Application
What is the spirit atmosphere that surrounds me, the musical resonance from my heart? Is it more in line with the old Song of Moses, or am I allowing my spirit to be more attuned to the reverberations of the Lamb's kind of music?
How much do I appreciate the difference between the Lamb's version of what God is like, and the more common views of how God relates to sinners?
What more accurately defines my disposition and perception of my relationship to God? Do I feel obligated to conform, or do I feel free and light and joyful and privileged to come to Him without fear?
What motivates me to draw near to God? Is it fear of punishment or hope of reward?
Am I choosing to remain open to having my motives exposed and rewired to reflect the Lamb's version of God's disposition and embrace His methods for my own?
Do I want an Almighty, powerful God to defend me, or am I willing to follow the Lamb who loves His enemies and is humble, meek and vulnerable and does not defend Himself?
