Revelation 19:9 – 10 “Then the angel told me to write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he told me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Of this feast, Barclay writes: The Jews had the idea that, when the Messiah came, God’s people would, as it were, be entertained by God to a great Messianic Banquet. Isaiah speaks of God preparing for his people “a feast of fat things, a feast of wine on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wine on the lees well refined” (Isaiah 25:6). Jesus speaks of many coming from the east and the west and sitting down with the patriarchs in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 8:11). The word used for sitting down is the word for reclining at a meal. The picture is of all men sitting down at the Messianic Banquet of God. Jesus at the Last Supper said that he would not again drink of the cup until he drank it new in his Father’s kingdom (Matthew 26:29). That was Jesus looking forward to the great Messianic Banquet.
In Jewish culture, marriage suppers were among the biggest and most elaborate celebrations possible. Remember that Jesus’ first miracle when he turned water into wine was performed at a marriage feast in Cana when the wine ran out. Is the heavenly banquet likely to look exactly like this description? Probably not! But as Saint Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13 “Our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect….now we see as in a glass darkly…” Remember, John was still human when he was having this vision and so God had to give John pictures with which he could identify so that he would be able to describe the vision accurately.
“So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he told me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus.” Throughout history, men have been tempted to worship angels. When angels of the Lord have appeared, they have always warned the men to whom they have appeared NOT to worship them. But it is important to remember that one third of the angels fell from heaven when Satan fell. There are many spiritualist churches that have some angel as their guiding spirit; these angels evidently have no problems with receiving worship and therefore are NOT angels of the Lord.
9b”Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” The Word of God is rich in layers upon layers of meaning and this statement is a perfect example. 1. The testimony of Jesus may refer to the testimony of believers who have followed Jesus and have found Him to be completely true.
2. The testimony of Jesus may refer to those who have listened to Jesus and who have then brought His messages to men. With such men, their words and works all bear evidence of Jesus and point people toward Jesus.
Recently, one of our friends lost her older brother, a fascinating and multi – talented man. Although this man first thought he was called to be a preacher, he became an entrepeneur, conducting all kinds of businesses. But wherever this man went, he bore witness to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and pointed the way to God for many of those who first encountered him through their business connections. The compassion, the faith, the joy, and the peace this man demonstrated drew many to Jesus Christ. This man was truly a prophet, albeit an unconventional one. But then, most prophets defy conventions.
Generally, when people send out wedding invitations, they only invite family and friends or close business associates. But Jesus is coming back for His Bride, the Church, and the invitation is open to anyone who will respond. Your invitation is waiting; what are you going to do with it?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us so much that you came as a man to live and to die for our sins. Thank you that you have invited us to be with you forever. Help everyone who reads this to say “yes” to that invitation. In your mighty and precious Name, Jesus. Amen.
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