From Waiting to Worship: Embracing God's Promises

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Judgments Are True and Just

God’s justice is perfect, and He sees all things—every act of evil, every injustice, every hidden pain. Even when the world feels unfair and we cry out, “How long, O Lord?” we can trust that God’s judgments are always true and just. He will bring perfect justice in His time, and nothing escapes His notice. In the waiting, we are called to praise Him for His righteousness, knowing that He alone can set all things right. [44:02]

Revelation 19:1-2 (ESV)
After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you long for justice or feel the weight of “how long?” How can you entrust these burdens to God’s perfect judgment today?

Day 2: Redemption—Clothed in Christ’s Righteousness

Through Jesus, we are not only forgiven but also clothed in His righteousness. Our good works are not our own achievement but gifts of grace, prepared in advance for us to walk in. As we abide in Christ, He enables us to serve, love, and bear fruit that will last. The white linen we will wear is both His gift and the evidence of His work in us—our redemption is complete, and our lives become a testimony to His transforming power. [50:27]

Revelation 19:7-8 (ESV)
“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; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally serve or love someone today as an act of gratitude for Christ’s redemption and the new life He has given you?

Day 3: Invest in What Lasts—Building on Christ’s Foundation

Every day, we are building on the foundation of Jesus with our choices, resources, and time. Some things will last—acts of faith, love, and service done for His glory—while others will not. The Lord invites us to examine our hearts: Are we storing up treasure in heaven or clinging to what will not endure? Our investments in prayer, generosity, evangelism, and service are opportunities to send treasure ahead, building with gold, silver, and precious stones that will stand the test of eternity. [52:09]

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (ESV)
For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Reflection: What is one practical change you can make this week to invest more intentionally in God’s kingdom—whether with your time, finances, or relationships?

Day 4: Christ the Conquering King—Our Blessed Hope

Jesus will return as the conquering King, faithful and true, whose word alone defeats all evil. Every heroic story points to this ultimate victory, when Christ will come on a white horse, crowned with many crowns, and every knee will bow before Him. He is the Word of God, the Lamb who was slain and now reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords. In the face of suffering and waiting, we hold fast to this blessed hope: Jesus is coming soon to make all things new. [01:00:05]

Revelation 19:11-16 (ESV)
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Reflection: When you think about Christ’s return and His ultimate victory, what fears or anxieties can you surrender to Him today, trusting in His reign and faithfulness?

Day 5: Strength in the Waiting—Renewed by Hope

As we live in the “how long,” waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled, He invites us to trust Him and find strength in His presence. The Lord comes with might, tending His flock with gentleness and gathering us close. Those who wait for the Lord will be renewed, lifted up on wings like eagles, able to run and not grow weary. In seasons of uncertainty or weakness, God’s promise is to sustain and carry us as we hope in Him. [01:07:00]

Isaiah 40:10-11, 31 (ESV)
Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. … but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel weary or discouraged? How can you intentionally “wait on the Lord” this week, seeking His presence and strength in your waiting?

Sermon Summary

Revelation 19 brings us to a pivotal moment in God’s story—a moment when the cries of “How long, O Lord?” are finally answered with a resounding “Hallelujah!” After a long journey through the book of Revelation, we arrive at the scene where heaven erupts in praise for the righteousness, redemption, and reign of King Jesus. This passage reminds us that, even as we walk through seasons of waiting, suffering, or uncertainty, God’s justice and faithfulness remain unshakable. The heavenly chorus invites us to join in, lifting our voices in praise, not just for what God has done, but for who He is and what He promises to do.

The first reason to praise is God’s righteousness. His judgments are always true and just, even when our circumstances seem unfair or confusing. The world is filled with injustice, but God sees all, and He alone can bring perfect justice. We are called to trust Him, to leave vengeance in His hands, and to rest in the assurance that He will set all things right in His time.

Second, we praise God for His redemption. The marriage of the Lamb is a picture of Christ’s love for His people, the Church. We are clothed in fine linen—first in the righteousness of Christ, and then in the good works He enables us to do. Our acts of service, generosity, and love are not the basis of our salvation, but they are the adornments of grace, prepared in advance for us to walk in. We are invited to examine how we are building on the foundation of Christ: are we investing in things that last for eternity, or are we distracted by treasures that will not endure?

Finally, we praise God for His reign. Jesus returns as the conquering King, faithful and true, whose word alone brings final victory over evil. The imagery is powerful: Christ on a white horse, His robe dipped in His own blood, leading the armies of heaven. With a word, He defeats all opposition, and His title is revealed—King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This is the hope that sustains us: Jesus will return, evil will be vanquished, and we will join the eternal chorus of praise.

As we wait in the “how long,” we are called to hold fast to this hope, to encourage one another, and to live lives that reflect the coming kingdom. Our present struggles are not the end of the story. One day, our “how long” will be transformed into a never-ending “hallelujah.”

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Justice Is Perfect and Complete In a world where injustice often seems to prevail, God’s judgments are always true and just. He sees every wrong, every act of evil, and promises to bring perfect justice in His time. We are called to trust Him with our pain and longing for justice, knowing that only He can set all things right and that His timing is always perfect. [44:02]
2. Redemption Is Both Gift and Calling Christ’s redemption is a double gift: we are clothed in His righteousness, and then enabled to walk in good works prepared for us. Our acts of love, service, and generosity are not for our own glory, but are the fruit of Christ’s work in us. This calls us to examine how we are building on the foundation of Christ—are we investing in what is eternal, or settling for what will be burned away? [52:09]
3. The Power of Christ’s Word Jesus conquers not by force, but by the authority of His word. At His return, it is His declaration that brings final victory over evil. This reminds us that God’s word is living and active, and that our hope rests not in our own strength, but in the unshakable authority of Christ. [62:19]
4. Living in the “How Long” with Hope Many of us live in seasons of waiting, longing for God to act or to bring resolution. Revelation 19 assures us that our “how long” will one day become “hallelujah.” In the meantime, we are called to persevere, to encourage one another, and to remember that God’s promises are sure—even when fulfillment seems far off. [41:41]
5. Our Lives Are Measured by Eternal Investments The way we use our time, resources, and opportunities reveals where our true treasure lies. Jesus invites us to invest in what lasts—serving the vulnerable, sharing the gospel, and living sacrificially. The rewards of eternity are not about salvation, but about the joy of having lived for what matters most in God’s kingdom.

** [55:47]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[37:48] - Personal Health Update and Gratitude
[38:54] - Thankfulness for God’s Provision in Small Things
[40:56] - The Heavenly Chorus in Revelation
[41:41] - From “How Long” to “Hallelujah”
[44:02] - Praising God for His Righteousness
[46:54] - The Justice of God Illustrated
[49:01] - The Marriage of the Lamb and Our Redemption
[50:27] - The Double Clothing: Christ’s Righteousness and Our Good Works
[52:09] - Building on the Foundation: Eternal Investments
[54:09] - Questions for Self-Examination
[55:47] - Giving, Generosity, and Kingdom Investments
[56:57] - Rewards and the Call to Examine Ourselves
[60:05] - The Return of the King: Christ’s Final Victory
[62:19] - The Power of Christ’s Word and Final Judgment
[63:46] - The Defeat of Evil and the Triumph of Christ
[67:00] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement from Isaiah 40

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Primary Text: — Revelation 19:1-16 (ESV)
(You may want to read the whole chapter for context.)

Supporting Passages: — - Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

- Isaiah 40:28-31 (ESV)
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Observation Questions

In Revelation 19, what are the main reasons the multitude in heaven gives for praising God? ([41:41])
According to the sermon, what does the “fine linen, bright and pure” represent for the bride of Christ? ([49:01])
What is the significance of Jesus’ robe being dipped in blood before the final battle even begins? ([01:00:05])
In Isaiah 40, what promise is given to those who “wait for the Lord”? ([01:07:00])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon describes God’s justice as “perfect and complete,” even when our circumstances seem unfair. How does this perspective challenge or comfort someone who is experiencing injustice or suffering? ([44:02])
The “marriage of the Lamb” is described as both a gift and a calling. What does it mean that we are both clothed in Christ’s righteousness and called to walk in good works? ([49:01])
The passage says Jesus conquers by the authority of His word, not by force. What does this reveal about the nature of Christ’s power and how should it shape our understanding of victory? ([01:02:19])
The sermon talks about living in the “how long” with hope. What does it look like to hold on to hope when God’s promises seem far off? ([41:41])

Application Questions

The sermon encourages us to trust God’s justice and leave vengeance in His hands. Is there a situation in your life where you are struggling to let go of the need for justice or payback? What would it look like to trust God with that situation this week? ([44:02])
We are called to examine how we are building on the foundation of Christ. Take a look at your time, resources, and priorities—are there areas where you are investing in things that won’t last? What is one change you could make to invest more in what is eternal? ([52:09])
The “fine linen” represents both Christ’s righteousness and our good works. What is one act of service, generosity, or love you feel prompted to do this week as a response to God’s grace? ([49:01])
The sermon mentions that our present struggles are not the end of the story. When you are in a season of waiting or suffering, what practical steps help you hold on to hope? Is there a verse, song, or practice that encourages you? ([41:41])
Jesus’ word alone brings final victory. How can you rely more on God’s word in your daily battles, rather than your own strength or strategies? ([01:02:19])
The way we use our money and resources reveals where our treasure is. Is there a specific way you can be more generous or intentional with your giving this month? ([55:47])
The heavenly chorus invites us to join in praise, even before all things are made new. What is one way you can practice gratitude and praise this week, even if you are still in the “how long”? ([41:41])

Sermon Clips

``Maybe you're still, like me, living in the how long. How long, O Lord, until you return, until you renew all things, until you restore all things. But this we know, brothers and sisters, one day our how long will turn into a hallelujah. One day we will see him coming on the clouds, leading the armies of heaven, and all of creation will shout, hallelujah, praise the Lord. [00:41:36] (31 seconds) #howLongToHallelujah

Now is the time of God's favor. Now is the time when the door of the ark is open for anyone to come in and commit their lives to Jesus. But the clock is ticking on every person's mortality and on the time left for this whole world. [00:54:40] (16 seconds) #rewardForEnduringWork

Here's his name, his final name, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The one who has a name written only that he knows himself, who is called the Word of God, who's been called the Lamb of God throughout this entire book. This is his true and final name, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. [01:04:41] (16 seconds) #reignOfAuthority

Why do we praise the Lord as our how long turns into a hallelujah? First, we praise him for his righteousness, that his justice is coming. And if you're living in a time of injustice and struggling with that how long, just this is the encouragement of scripture to leave vengeance to the Lord because he sees everything, and he's the only one who can bring perfect justice, and he will. [01:04:58] (25 seconds) #holdOnToBlessedHope

We praise him also for his redemption. The Lamb of God who is slain has risen again, triumphant over sin and death forever. His blood washes away sin completely, and then he adorns us with his own glory as we live to serve him, and we praise him for his reign. The one who will defeat all of his enemies with simply the word of his authority. [01:05:24] (22 seconds)

And as we struggle day to day to day and encourage each other in the midst of the how long, let's remember, as Sam reminded us with communion, communion not only looks back and celebrates the current transformation of the gospel that we belong in Christ, it also looks forward. We proclaim his death until he comes, and Jesus is coming soon. So hold on to that truth. [01:06:05] (25 seconds)

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