Quick Note – Revelation 19:7

Revelation 19:7 – “Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready…”

The last chapters of Revelation are beautiful, for they prophesy of the future reign of Christ over the world.  Although these chapters speak of the last judgment, where death, the Devil, and all those who have not given their lives to Christ are cast out into the lake of fire, they also speak of the glorious rewards awaiting those who have given their lives to Christ and chosen to follow Him in discipleship.  One thing that I took of notice of as I read these last passages in the Bible was the verse above – “Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready…” The phrase that took my attention in this passage was “give Him the glory.”  Johann Sebastian Bach, the great composer, who was also a Christian, actually signed his compositions with a similar phrase – “To God be the glory.”  This motto “To God be the glory” is one that should guide our every step this new year.  As disciples of Jesus Christ, our every step, our every goal, our every action should be done ultimately to bring glory to God, for He is the only One worth of all glory, honor, power, and blessing.  Throughout the book of Revelation, song after song sung by the twenty-four elders, the four creatures, and the saints all reverberate with that same tune – all glory to God.  May we join in that chorus this new year.  If we need to do something we do not want to do, do it to His glory and that will change your attitude and work ethic regarding the subject.  If we do something we desire, then do it for His glory, correctly focusing your heart on Him, which will prevent it from straying to idolatry or pride.  If we are approached with temptation, think about how that will hurt the glory of God and let that stop you from doing it.  In all you do, do it for the glory of God.  Make your motto this year – “To God be the glory.”

Solia Deo Gloria

Psalm 115:1 – “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for the sake of Your steadfast love and faithfulness.”
Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the greatest composers in all of history. According to Wikipedia, Bach has written over a thousand musical pieces from works on the organ and piano to large choral works.1  His music was so influential that his name was the inspiration for one of the four major time periods in piano history – the baroque era (The other three are the classical, the romantic, and the modern era.). But interestingly enough although Bach is definitely one of the greatest composers of all time and most definitely of his time, Bach was a humble Christian who always sought the glory of God. It is said that when he sat down to compose, he would begin by writing on his manuscript the words Jesu juva (Help me, Jesus) and end by writing the words Solia Deo Gloria (To God alone, the glory). Bach recognized that no matter what he did all the glory belonged to the one Person who gave him the ability to write music, the one Person who inspired him to compose the music – God.2

The Psalmist in Psalm 115 recognized this same truth – that God alone deserves the glory – giving us our verse for today, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for the sake of Your steadfast love and faithfulness.” The Psalmist begins Psalm 115 by pleading with the Lord to show His lovingkindness and faithfulness so that those of other nations worshiping false idols would see, know, and worship the one true God. In situations where one knows he is right, it is so easy to be caught up in a “I told you so attitude,” but the Psalmist did not seek an opportunity to gloat but an opportunity for God to be glorified. He could care less if he was noticed for being right, all he wanted was for the whole earth to fall down before God in humble adoration. This desire is reflected throughout the rest of the psalm where he calls out for all those who fear the Lord to trust in the Lord (vs. 11).
This attitude of God alone being glorified in everything is also found throughout the New Testament. For example, 1 Corinthians 10:31 states, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” In this verse, we find that no matter what we do, it should bring God glory, which is completely true; but we must step further in that not only should all things bring God glory but all glory should go to God alone. Colossians 3:23-24 states this idea in a unique way, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” This verse reminds us that all we do must be done as for the Lord not for men-pleasing. This way of thinking shifts our focus from self-glorification to God-glorification. We work for God and Him alone. Christ is who we serve, so we like a faithful servant must seek the glory of our King. Throughout Ephesians we find that the Lord redeemed us by His grace to do what? To do good works that would bring about the praise of His glory.
A true disciple of Jesus Christ seeks to bring his Lord Jesus Christ glory, for He is the only one that truly deserves praise and worship. In addition, let us pray that God will show His glory to others not so that we can have a way to mock others who believe in false religions, but so that they will come to find a relationship with this great and glorious God as well. May we always seek to bring Him glory and Him alone. “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” (Romans 16:27 KJV)

1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Sebastian_Bach
2 “March 23 – S.D.G.” Morgan, Robert J. On This Day: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs, & Heroes. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997.