God gives us reason to sing

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” — Revelation 19:6-8

They say when God closes a door, he opens a window. That’s a beautiful thought, and often we see how it proves true. But when God warns us about his coming judgment, for those who have the door closed on them, there isn’t any “silver lining,” there isn’t any window being opened.

But what is on the other side of the door? What is in store for God’s children that he has bought and paid for by his death and resurrection? Why do we not want to be left out?

Revelation 19 gives us such a glimpse. In this portion of scripture, we see heaven from the other side of the door, if you will.

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah!”

It’s been called the most beautiful piece of music ever written. Legend says that King George II of England was so moved by its opening strains that he rose to his feet and to this day, crowds of people still rise to their feet every time they hear it. Legend also says that Georg Fredrich Handel himself had a vision of heaven that prompted him to compose “The Hallelujah Chorus.”

But as sublime and transcendent as Handel’s work is, it will pale in comparison to the real Hallelujah Chorus.

That word “hallelujah” is used all over the place in the Old Testament. It’s a

Hebrew word meaning, “Let us praise the Lord!” But “hallelujah” doesn’t appear anywhere in the New Testament — except here, in this chapter.

It’s not that it wouldn’t have been appropriate in other places. Certainly, the angels watching God taking on human flesh in a humble stable could have uttered, “Hallelujah!” Yes, the stunned mourners at Lazarus’ funeral could have shouted “Hallelujah!” when

Jesus brought the dead man back to life. Indeed, Thomas putting his hand in the resurrected Lord’s pierced side could have exclaimed “Hallelujah!”

But the fact that that word wasn’t used in all those earth-shattering situations, but is used four times in this chapter, gives you an indication that there’s something pretty special going on here! Let us praise the Lord, for this is what our God will provide those who believe when he returns to judge the living and the dead. Hallelujah!

Happy that God gives me a reason to sing, hallelujah, just like you!