John records an awesome praise and worship event that climaxes in a feast for the ages (Rev. 19:1-10). As Handel’s Messiah peaks in the Hallelujah Chorus and – traditionally – listeners have found it difficult to remain in their seats, this occasion crests four times with a collective shout of “Hallelujah!” – the universal word for “Praise God!” The multitude gives thanks and credit to God for four things:
First, truth (v1-2). The beauty and power of truth rightly orders and reflects God’s character and purpose. Deceit and lies will always fail, truth triumphs in the end. Second, justice (v3). All corrupt human systems, from the individual to empires that manipulate fellow man through deceit and oppression, will burn on the ash heap of history forever. The Spirit informs us that the Father anoints the Son with the oil of gladness because he hates wickedness and rules with uprightness (Heb 1:8-9). Third, purpose (v4-5). “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him small and great.” Paul states it plainly, “We make it our aim to be pleasing to him” (2 Cor. 5:10). Those who serve the benevolent sovereign are free and successful people. Finally, relationship (v6-8). This grand praise and worship event leads to a magnificent banquet and the fourth “Hallelujah!” The volume of this expression could be compared to being right at the Niagara Falls in the middle of the loudest thunderstorm you can imagine! Why the celebration? Because we are standing in the presence of the One who is absolutely good. We are reconciled to the One who is our deepest satisfaction – forever!
There is a mix of things that keeps me going back to the BASICS Conference in Chagrin Falls, Ohio every year at the beginning of May. Besides the rich teaching from God’s word by men who faithfully love and serve him, there is nothing like the experience of 1,200 men singing sweet biblical truth with enthusiasm. To top it all off is the spread of food provided for conference attendees. Every year I have attended I have left full of joy with a renewed vigor for ministry. But this is a tiny taste test compared to the worship banquet we will experience in God’s presence when we are done being under the sun.
While we remain in this earthly tent, let us pursue these for certainties in the light of God’s self-disclosure – truth, justice, purpose, and relationship – because we know that when all is said and done, these four triumph with great celebration and pleasure.
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