Revelation 15 reminds me of the difference between vengeful people, and the vengeance of God. Holding onto resentment turns our focus from self-improvement to blame. Unresolved resentment foments a desire for revenge. Humans retaliate, escalate and seethe in anger. Today’s lesson is a reminder why God repeatedly tells His people that He will avenge. John, in true Old Testament fashion, is about to retell the story in more detail. This is not another final judgment, it is a new description, seen from heaven’s viewpoint. The chapter begins with his observation of “another great and marvelous sign”. John sees seven angels with the last of the plagues: “last, because with them God’s wrath is completed.” One of my favorite things is the feeling of being finished. It means everything is back in place, and I can move on. John describes seeing: “those who had been victorious over the beast and its image and over the number of its name.” These are the martyred saints, killed by the beast. Note that they are victorious because they remained faithful. And we see two beautiful symbols included in their description. They are standing beside “what looked like a sea of glass glowing with fire.” In the tabernacle design given to Moses, this sea was the Bronze Basin which was used by the priests to wash before approaching the altar. Fire and water are used for both judgement and for purification. These saints have been purified and are now holding harps “given them by God.” In chapter 5, the 24 elders were described with harps of gold, meaning that the last ones saved receive the same inheritance as the first ones saved!
John says that they: “sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb.” It is one song of praise that connects the Lawgiver to the Redeemer of mankind. They are so overwhelmed with indescribable joy that they have no room for thoughts of retaliation. John writes the lyrics: “Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty.” The moment that we agree His ways are higher than ours, we become unified under His authority. He continues: “Just and true are Your ways.” They submit to truth rather than bicker about being wronged. “Who will not fear You?” Most people can answer “what” they fear, but Proverbs 2 explains that “Who” we fear directs our path to understanding. John continues with the eternal reality: “For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You.” Because all have sinned, no one is worthy, and none of us are beyond temptation. We all need an unchanging standard of righteousness, and an impartial judge.
As the chapter closes, John sees in heaven: “The temple—that is, the tabernacle of the covenant law—and it was opened.” I believe this image shows that the final judgement comes from God Almighty. This is His promised vengeance, the repayment which has been withheld until the end. John sees: “seven angels with the seven plagues” coming out of the tabernacle. They were dressed in “clean, shining linen” with “golden sashes around their chests”. Nothing is hidden, their work is pure and perfect. They are given “seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God.” It will be sudden. God is merciful, even in judgement. At the same time: “the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power.” This is not to obscure God’s view; it is a sign of His presence, proving this vengeance is His. John concludes: “no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.” Destruction is certain. Today, every soul willing to repent can receive forgiveness through the blood of Jesus. Romans 12 reminds us, we can be transformed. Gratitude will overcome bitterness. Friend, it’s time to let go of your anger.