Revelation 19:7-10 What is genuinely valued in heaven are acts of righteousness, not worldly achievements.
Revelation 19:7-10
Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Background
Following the destruction of the Harlot, the Lamb hosts the marriage supper. Jesus selects His bride from among the saints. These chosen ones are not just any saints but those who walk with Christ amid great tribulations, and are adorned in fine linen, symbolizing righteous acts rather than faith alone. A key distinction is made between the bride and the guests of the bride: not all saints are the bride, as some are invited merely as blessed guests. The declaration, “These are true words of God,” marks the beginning of the bride’s reign alongside Christ, underscoring her role as queen and co-heir. This aligns with Hebrews 2:7–8, which speaks of all things being subjected to the sons of Man, though not yet fully seen. But John’s vision affirms that the bride has made herself ready to reign with Christ in His kingdom. Her readiness reflects maturity, and the fulfillment of her divine calling; to rule with Christ over all creation as His faithful companion in glory. Today’s devotion teaches us: What is genuinely valued in heaven are acts of righteousness, not worldly achievements.
Observation
Following the destruction of the Harlot, the nation who persecuted the saints and corrupted the earth, the Lamb holds His marriage supper. Here, Jesus selects from the saints those deemed worthy to be His bride. The bride is seen adorned in fine linen, bright and clean. What are the criteria for Jesus’s selection? It is those who are one with Him, who have triumphed over the tribulations. The fine linen emphasizes their righteous acts rather than their faith alone.
Pertaining to the marriage supper, the angel expressed the blessedness of those invited to the marriage feast. It is important to note that the saints who are considered the bride are distinguished from the saints invited to the marriage supper. And those who are invited to the marriage supper are not the bride, rather, they are guests. This distinction makes it evident that not all saints are regarded in the same manner.
“These are true words of God” refers to the commencement of the bride’s role as queen to the King prior to the start of His reign. Christian traditions emphasize the bride’s virtue and the nature of her relationship with Christ. Here, the true words of God emphasizes the bride’s position as co-heir with Christ to rule all things.
Hebrews 2:7-8 portrays the son of man as…
“YOU HAVE MADE HIM FOR A LITTLE WHILE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS;
YOU HAVE CROWNED HIM WITH GLORY AND HONOR,
AND HAVE APPOINTED HIM OVER THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS;
YOU HAVE PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET.”
For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him.
Even as the author of Hebrews did not yet see all things subjected to man. Here, John recorded Jesus’s prophecy that the “bride has made herself ready” to rule all things with Christ, her Husband.
Truth
What is genuinely valued in heaven are acts of righteousness, not worldly achievements.
The bride is adorned with fine linen which symbolizes acts of righteousness. She wears no trophies that showcase her achievements. The world values trophies and accomplishments. But heaven values the acts born from righteousness, compassion and a humble submission to God. However, it is important to note that the church has been shaped both by worldly influences and the culture of the Old Testament. The narratives found in the Old Testament often exalt kings while downplaying the significance of the humble soldier. Notable figures include King David, the king who unified Judah at the age of 30. And King Solomon, the son of David, was esteemed as the wisest and wealthiest king.
By the time of the gospels, Jesus was born, not in regal conditions, but in a dilapidated manger. Because He was raised in humble circumstances by a carpenter, He was not seen as credible by the community. At the time of His death, He held no title, no reputation, no wealth, nor any church or institutions named in His honour. He was considered a condemned criminal, wore a crown of thorns, and abandoned even by those closest to Him.
It is crucial to understand that Jesus did not elevate Himself. Instead, it was God who exalted Him. What was the basis for Jesus being exalted to the highest position in the universe? He did not rescue the Jews from Roman oppression. He did not eliminate diseases or establish organizations to reduce poverty. What warranted Jesus’s elevation to the right hand of God? Paul discussed the acts of righteousness that are greatly esteemed by God in heaven.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:3-11
Many sacrifice righteous acts in pursuit of political leverage and achievements. Such may gain temporal power and wealth, but they ultimately forfeit the genuine and eternal honour in heaven. If you aspire to be deemed worthy as the bride, you must seize every opportunity to do as Jesus did. You must be prepared to do all, even to the extent of sacrificing your own interests to do God’s will. This is what God genuinely values.
Application
1. Pursue Humility Over Pride
Let go of selfish ambition and the desire for recognition. Instead of seeking status or praise, adopt a posture of humility that values others above yourself in attitude and action.
2. Serve Others Sacrificially
Just as Christ emptied Himself and took the form of a servant, we are called to serve others selflessly—even when it costs us time, comfort, or convenience.
3. Prioritize Community Well-Being
Shift your focus from personal gain to the well-being of others. This means listening, supporting, and advocating for those around you, especially the vulnerable.
4. Practice Obedience Through Surrender
Christ’s obedience led Him to the cross. We, too, are called to follow God’s will even when it leads us through hardship, trusting that obedience brings eternal reward.
5. Embrace the Lowly Path
Christ, though divine, humbled Himself. Likewise, we must not cling to power, privilege, or entitlement but choose the path of lowliness and love in our relationships.
Prayer
Lord, teach me to walk in humility, laying down pride and selfish ambition. Help me serve others with joy and selflessness, seeking their good above my own. May I obey You in every trial, surrendering fully, and embracing the humble path of Christ with love and faithfulness. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.