GETTING THE MESSAGE/The Lord's redeemed people

In the book of Revelation, the Lord gives his redeemed people visions to enlighten them to the spiritual warfare that takes place in the world and in their souls. These visions are given that we might live by faith, longing for the appearing of the Lord.

In Chapter 12, John saw a great sign, a woman clothed with the sun about to give birth, along with a great red dragon. The woman gave birth to the Savior. The dragon failing to destroy the child, was cast down, destined to be destroyed by the Savior. Nevertheless, he leads men astray by the beast that he summons from the sea.

Here in chapter 15:1, the great sign that John sees is seven angels with seven plagues, signifying the wrath of God poured out on the earth in conjunction with Christ’s subsequent return in glory. Before seeing the details of the plagues, John is shown another vision of the blessedness of those who by faith overcome the beast.

In verses 2-3, John sees a sea of glass mingled with fire, and beside the sea are those who overcame the beast. They are singing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb, a song of praise to God for his deliverance.

The song of Moses was sung in Exodus 15 beside the Red Sea, where God had destroyed Pharaoh and his army.  The sea often represents the abode of evil, violent storms, danger, and death. The sea of glass in heaven represents peace, a place where evil is no more. Jesus said to the stormy sea which threatened his disciples, “Peace, be still.”

The ones singing by the sea “conquered the beast, and his image, and the number of his name.” This means they did not worship him, were not deceived by his allurements, and did not fear him. Overcoming the beast implies there was a cost involved; some lost their lives, some were imprisoned. All Christians face some form of the stormy sea in this world, whether it is persecution, physical afflictions, bitter temptation, inward turmoil, seasons of distress, or the fight of faith.

What is emphasized is this: we must overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. We can only do this in Christ, so we must remember Christ. He is our deliverer from death, not only physical death but judicial death; the judgment we deserved. It is his hand that holds us up from hell every moment. All right thoughts, purposes, comfortable affections, and good deeds are the product of his continuous work in us. To sing the song of the Lamb is to know that victory is in Jesus.

The evidence of true faith is found in the worship of God. In verses 3-4, we see the substance of the song. Notice that those who sing do not sing about themselves; they sing about God and what he has done: “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Righteous and true are your ways!”

The first principle of worship is recognizing your need of the great grace and mercy of God.  The style of worship is not the main thing, instead it is an adequate view of God and what he has done in Christ. The psalmist says, “Not to us O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and faithfulness” (Psalm 115).

In verse 4, we read, “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name.” The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Unless one laments sin, he does not fear God. Psalm 130 says, “With you is forgiveness that you may be feared.” The rise of true fear is conviction of sin, which drives one to hold fast to Christ for salvation and to follow the Lamb.

The song continues, “You alone are holy.” If you want to have reverence in worship, remember the holiness of God. It is the crown of the glory of God, his infinite moral perfection.  It promotes an awe and thanksgiving for God’s grace, as well as a tenderness for God’s glory that we see in this song.

The song ends, “All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” This refers to all from the ends of the earth who have seen the glory of Chris and are drawn to him. God will have worshippers. The more you know of the Lamb, the more you should sing of the Lamb.

The Rev. Chris Shelton is pastor of Union’s First Presbyterian Church.