Revelation 15:1-4 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues… I. THE SERVICE OF SONG IS THE HIGHEST EMPLOYMENT OF REDEEMED MAN. The redeemed whom John saw in vision had left behind them all the imperfections of life, and reached its consummation. The toil and the care were ended. The long battle had closed. Here is the first point to be marked, viz., that perfection of life was the spirit of their song. All the discipline of the earthly had been for this end, that every conflict of the heart should become the element of praise; that every sorrow should change into thanksgiving; that their souls, by all the education of life, should be tuned as harps for God. We may observe still further, that it is the noblest office of music to become the language of those emotions that border on the infinite and eternal. There is nothing in this world that can so completely lift a man's soul above the cares and doubts of time, right up to the throne of God, as the inspiring notes of a psalm of praise. Here, then, is the lesson which the words have for us to-day: just as Christian life approaches the heavenly spirit, that life becomes one song of praise. For the essential principle of Christian life is self-surrendering love to God, and that can bring thanksgiving out of sorrow. You may have known men, old and grey in the Christian conflict, over whom great sorrows have rolled, but they are yet young in soul, for life has renewed its youth in thanksgiving. II. THAT SONG UNITES THE SPIRITUAL HEROES OF ALL THE AGES. Men from the dispensation of Moses — men from that of Christ; this seems implied in the words, "They sing the song of Moses and the Lamb." 1. The true heroes of all ages are engaged in one conflict. We are told in the 13th chapter that "the beast had power given unto him to make war with the saints." There were men in the past whose battle was hard fought in the heart — they overcame. There are such men now. Life is full of heroisms. He who in the little things of daily life fights on unnoticed and unknown, is in spirit a great warrior. The man who does not know hard struggles does not know how the soul rises into song. 2. One means of victory — faith... Observe what a glorious idea this gives of heaven. Men from all ages united by one conflict; their song tuned to one spirit of praise. No age is barren — as in music, many voices, but one harmony... III. ITS THEME IS GOD'S CONNECTED DISPENSATIONS. On earth we praise God for redemption; in heaven they praise God for the whole economy of revelation. (E. L. Hull, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. |
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