Revelation 11:15-19

 

Observation: In John's vision, the final of seven seals has been opened, and the final of seven trumpets has been sounded. The revelation from God is reaching its conclusion. Elders in heaven announce God's final victory, and judgment over those who have destroyed the earth (and those who live here) for their personal gain. 

 

Application: As I read Revelation 11, it's hard not to hear the "Hallelujah Chorus," from George Frideric Handel's "Messiah." Even though it comes more in the "Easter" section of that work, many of us associate it with Christmas, when many choirs sing it. Every Christmas for many years, my maternal grandfather drove from Farmington, Michigan, to the Hartland Music Hall--just a few miles away from my home--to sing this piece with a community choir. I imagine my mom must have gone to see it a few times, but I don't recall ever going. That brings me a twinge of regret. 

The other piece of this scripture which stands out for me, is the reminder from the elders that it's not just human interactions that count in God's judgment. How we treat the earth counts too. It makes me ponder the question of whether the Fifth Commandment, "you shall not murder," applies beyond the human realm, and into living things that exist beside us, whom God has also called "good" and commanded to be fruitful and multiply? There's a big difference between "harvesting" the goods of the land, both plant and animal, for survival--every living thing does that--and killing for sport, or because it's more convenient than not doing so.  

That's where this text speaks to me today: giving thanks for the gift of music, which connects us to the hosts of heaven, and for the gift of our planet, in which all life is interconnected and responsible for mutual care. 

Prayer: God, thank you for giving us this "sheet music" to the praises of Heaven. Though in this life we'll never know what it sounds like, thank you for inspiring composers and singers to imagine it and share your words with new ears. And God, thank you for the web of life. remind us of our responsibility, not just to future generations, but to our living neighbors, human and nonhuman, who depend on our care and good will. Amen.