How can we "rejoice" in God's justice as seen in Revelation 18:20? Revelation 18:20 in Context “Rejoice over her, O heaven, O saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her.” Why the Call to Rejoice Is Right • Evil has been fully exposed. Babylon’s corruption, violence, and idolatry receive their deserved end, proving God’s moral order is intact. • Victims are vindicated. God “has pronounced for you His judgment,” meaning His people are finally cleared of every accusation (Isaiah 25:8-9; Psalm 58:10-11). • God’s character shines. Justice and righteousness are the foundation of His throne (Psalm 89:14). Celebrating His judgments is celebrating Him. Biblical Echoes That Confirm the Joy • Deuteronomy 32:43 – “Rejoice, O heavens, with Him, for He will avenge the blood of His children.” • Psalm 96:11-13 – Creation rejoices because the Lord “comes to judge the earth.” • Revelation 19:1-2 – A great heavenly multitude shouts “Hallelujah!… He has avenged the blood of His servants.” How We Can Rejoice in God’s Justice Today 1. Celebrate holiness. • Worship God for always doing what is right, even when society applauds evil (Psalm 97:1-2). 2. Rest in His vindication. • Release personal grudges, knowing vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19). 3. Speak truth with compassion. • Expose sin lovingly but plainly, trusting God to judge sin perfectly (Ephesians 5:11). 4. Support the oppressed. • Align with God’s justice by defending the vulnerable while anticipating His ultimate reckoning (Proverbs 31:8-9). 5. Anticipate final victory. • Let hope fuel perseverance—every injustice we witness is temporary (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7). Guardrails for Celebrating Justice • No gloating over the fallen (Proverbs 24:17-18). • Maintain humility—apart from grace we would share Babylon’s fate (Ephesians 2:3-5). • Extend the gospel while there is time; God’s final judgment will close the door (2 Peter 3:9-10). Looking Forward Rejoicing in Revelation 18:20 foreshadows the unending praise of Revelation 21–22, where righteousness dwells and every tear is wiped away. Until that day, we rejoice in God’s flawless justice, confident He will set all things right and glorify His name forever. |
    |