God’s wrath is coming to an amazing conclusion with the seven angels holding seven bowls containing seven plagues.(Revelation 15:1) Then in verses two and three John says, And I saw what looked like a sea of glass glowing with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and its image and over the number of its name. They held harps given them by God and they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
“Great and amazing are your deeds,
O Lord God the Almighty!
Just and true are your ways,
O King of the nations!
Who will not fear, O Lord,
and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
The theme of the song of Moses here is the same as the one in Deuteronomy and they are both rejoicing and glorifying God’s justice. The song of Moses and the Lamb are sung together to link the deliverance of Israel (Exodus 15) and a new song celebrating Christ’s final victory over evil.
Both songs in Revelation 15 show us God’s consistent acts of mercy and salvation, from the Old Testament judgment through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice of death on the cross to rescue us from sin, and defeat of the Antichrist and his reign of terror.
The non-believers acknowledge the plagues are coming from God because they are cursing Him. The fourth angel pours out his bowl on the sun, allowing it to scorch people with intense heat. Despite the severe suffering, they “cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues” but did not repent. Revelation 16:9
They don’t have the eternal life hope of the believers who are praising him with song. The message here is simple; you’re either a Christ follower, obeying God’s commands with the joy of redemption, or you’re blaming and cursing His name. Both go through the time of tribulation, but believers have strength and protection from God to endure and those cursing are tormented and miserable with no hope.
Which characteristics of God do you see in the songs or in Revelation 15-16? What have you learned about God’s character in these chapters?
Deb Hill
EFCC Member