Observation: This text is from the "messy middle" of Revelation, in which John recounts some frightening and confusing visions. Yet the text says these seven plagues, unleashed by angels, are the very last. And at its end there is a praise song, the "song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb."
Application: The Book of Revelation can be frightening and confusing. It is a type of writing called an "apocalypse" where a human author will see the curtain pulled back, and a deeper reality of Divine action in the world is revealed. If we understood every detail of what God is saying and doing there, I'd be suspicious that this was more of a human thing. That said, Revelation's message is remarkably simple. Are you the Lamb of God? No? Okay, so are you an angel? No? So you are in fact, just a mortal human being? Yes? Then your job is to give praise and Glory to God. Sing that same old song. The one Moses knew. That God is in control, and God saves. That's it. No further instructions. Keep praising and stay faithful until further notice, and, spoiler alert, there won't be any because God has the end times stuff well in hand. Period. No predictions, speculations, extra visions, underground bunkers or billboard ad campaigns needed. Just continued praise, trust and love.
Prayer: God, help us to remain faithful. Help us to praise you in good times and bad. Amen.
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