Daily Bible Reading—December 2024, God’s Guiding Word: JoySample

Introduction

Revelation 19:1–21: Chapter 19 begins the concluding section of Revelation with a series of visions that depict the final defeat of evil. In today’s reading, the wedding feast of the Lamb is celebrated with rejoicing and praising God’s greatness. Verses 11–21 feature visions of Christ’s return as a military leader and a scene of victory in which God’s enemies are destroyed.

Today’s Key Verse: Revelation 19:6b–7a

“Praise God! For the Lord, our Almighty God, is King! Let us rejoice and be glad; let us praise his greatness!”

Reflect

The wedding feast celebrates the uniting of Christ (the Lamb) and his people (the bride). In the Old Testament, God’s love for Israel is described in terms of a husband/wife relationship (see Isaiah 54:1–8). In the New Testament, the church is depicted as the wife of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–32). How is the wedding feast described? Reread verses 11–16. What is the name of the rider? Why is he so named? How is he described? What is the significance of the other names that appear in these verses? Verses 17–21 depict the end of a battle in which “the beast” and “the false prophet” and their followers are defeated. How do you interpret what is described here?

Pray

Sovereign God, you have extended your invitation to me to celebrate the wedding feast of the Lamb. You are victorious and your reign is universal. You are King of kings and Lord of lords. Help me to pursue justice and to serve you faithfully. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Isaiah 60:1–22: The future glory of Jerusalem is described.