99 - Hallelujah!

Revelation 19:1 - 20:15

The reading starts:

After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying,
‘Hallelujah! (emphasis added) 

Well, BEFORE this we have skipped over several chapters in which the sovereignty of God triumphs over all the powers and evils of humankind on earth.  The two chapters immediately preceding recount the defeat of the "Whore of Babylon", representing Rome and all people who have disregarded God's sovereignty.

Whore of Babylon

The seer (John) identifies at least three types of charges:  idolatry and sorcery, violence, and excessive wealth.  The rejoicing in heaven which starts our reading comes from the knowledge that the powers of the earth will succumb to God.

The great climax of the cosmic battle has occurred, and God has triumphed over the evil which distorts the creation God intended for humankind.

Our reading continues with a description of a millennial period during which Christ would reign, leading to the final judgment at which time the dead are "judged according to their works," harking back to an earlier discussion of faith and works.

Do you see this as a literal description of what will happen at the end of the world?  I don't, but I have to admit I don't know.  We cannot know, but I believe those who would try to tie events of history to the visions of this book are using up breath that should be used to teach Jesus' message of justice and compassion.