263. The Marriage Supper Of The Lamb.

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they, which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. - Revelation 19:9.

AMAZED by what he saw and heard, John might have failed to write but he was warned to do so on this occasion, because of—

· The value of the statements herein recorded.

· Their absolute certainty, as sure promises and true sayings of God.

· The necessity of keeping such facts in remembrance throughout all time for the comfort of all those who look for the Lord's appearing.

This fact, that men shall partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb, might seem too good to be true if it were not specially certified by order of the Lord, under the hand and seal of the Spirit of God.

In the historical order, the false harlot-church is to be judged (see previous chapter), and then the true bride of Christ is to be acknowledged and honored.

In meditating upon this august marriage festival, we shall note—

I. THE DESCRIPTION Of THE BRIDEGROOM.

The inspired apostle speaks of him as "the Lamb."

This is John's special name for his Lord. Perhaps he learned it from hearing the Baptist cry by the Jordan, "Behold the Lamb."

What we learn early abides with us late.

John uses this name continually in this Book of the Revelation.

The last book of the Bible still reveals Jesus in this character as the Lamb of God.

In this passage the marriage of the Lamb may even seem incongruous as a figure, but John looks at the sense, and not at the language.

He wishes us above all things to remember that as the sacrifice for sin our Lord appears in his glory, and that as a Lamb he will manifest himself in the consummation of all things when his church is perfected.

1. As the Lamb he is the one everlasting sacrifice for sin: he will not be other than this in his glory.

2. As the Lamb suffering for sin, he is especially glorious in the eyes of the angels and all other holy intelligences, and so in his joyous day he wears that character.

3. As the Lamb he most fully displayed his love to his church; and so he appears in this form on the day of his love's triumph.

4. As the Lamb he is best loved of our souls. Behold, how he loved us even to the death!

Ever as a victim for sin he rejoices to display himself to the universe.

II. THE MEANING OF THE MARRIAGE SUPPER.

In the evening of time, in the end of the gospel day, there shall be—

1. The completion and perfection of the church. "His bride hath made herself ready."

2. The rising of the church into the nearest and happiest communion with Christ in his glory. "The marriage of the Lamb is come." The espousals lead up to this.

3. The fulfillment of the long expectations of both.

4. The open publication of the great fact of mutual love and union.

5. The overflowing of mutual delight and joy. "Be glad and rejoice."

6. The grandest display of magnificent munificence in a banquet.

7. The commencement of an eternally unbroken rest. "He shall rest in his love." The church, like Ruth, shall find rest in the house of her husband.

III. THE PERSONS WHO ARE CALLED TO IT.

Not those who have the common call and reject it, but—

1. Those who are so called as to accept the invitation.

2. Those who now possess the faith which is the token of admission.

3. Those who love Bridegroom and bride.

4. Those who have on the wedding garment of sanctification.

5. Those who watch with lamps burning.

These are they which are called to the marriage supper.

IV. THE BLESSEDNESS WHICH IS ASCRIBED TO THEM.

1. They have a prospect which blesses them even now.

2. They have great honor in being called to such a future.

3. They will be blessed indeed when at that feast, for—

· Those who are called will be admitted.

· Those who are admitted will be married.

· Those who are married to Jesus will be endlessly happy. How many a marriage leads to misery! but it is not so in this case.

Alas, some are not thus blessed!

To be unblessed is to be accursed.