In particular, when we think of this marriage supper of the Lamb, we
cannot but return to that supper in the upper chamber of Jerusalem
which occupies so strikingly similar a position in the life of Jesus.
There Jesus said, "Take, eat: this is My body, which is for you;"
"This cup is the new covenant in My blood: drink ye all of it."[512]
That was a feast, in which He gave Himself to be for ever the
nourishment of His Church. And in like manner in the marriage supper
of the Lamb the Lord who became dead and is alive for evermore is not
only the Bridegroom, but the substance of the feast. In Him and by Him
His people lived on earth; in Him and by Him they live for ever.
All this St. John saw. All this, too, he heard confirmed by the
statement that, wonderful and glorious as was the spectacle, it was
yet _true words of God_. He was overwhelmed, and would have worshipped
his angelic visitant. But he was interrupted by the declaration on the
angel's part, _See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and
with thy brethren that hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God_.
These fellow-servants are first the prophets, but then also all true
members of Christ's Body. The last not less than the first hold the
testimony of Jesus[513]; and because they do so, they too are
prophets, for prophecy, whether in Old or in New Testament times,
testifies to Him. In Him all revelation centres. He is the expression
of the God whom no man hath seen. He is thus the Alpha and the Omega,
"over all, God blessed for ever."[514]
By so contemplating Him we are prepared for the next following vision:--
And I saw the heavens opened, and behold a white horse, and He
that sat thereon, called Faithful and True; and in righteousness
He doth judge and make war. And His eyes are a flame of fire, and
upon His head are many diadems; and He hath a name written, which
no man knoweth, but He Himself. And He is arrayed in a garment
sprinkled with blood: and His name is called The Word of God. And
the armies which are in heaven followed Him upon white horses,
clothed in fine linen, white and pure. And out of His mouth
proceedeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations
and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the
winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God. And He
hath on His garment and on His thigh a name written, KING OF
KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (xix. 11-16).
Of the position of this passage in the structure of the Apocalypse we
have already spoken; and, looked at in that its true light, it may be
called the Pause of Victory. There is no renewal of the struggle. A
Warrior is indeed presented to us; but He is a Warrior who has already
conquered, and who comes forth not so much to subdue His enemies as to
inflict upon them their final punishment.