Thundering Hallelujahs

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Three times in the closing book of the Bible, we hear the cascading roar of rushing water.

The first ‘waterfall’ in the opening scene was the powerful voice of the Living Christ, giving the story-teller John a message of comfort and hope to his suffering church on earth.

The sound and sight of water cascading down rocks or thundering over the lip of a precipice does something to you. It soothes and energizes you at the same time. The water seems almost alive as it rushes forward and down – always down – almost like it was on a mission. Jesus, of course is the ultimate waterfall, plunging headlong into the mission of salvation for the whole of God’s creation.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Later, in Chapter 14, John hears a sound coming from heaven - “like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder.” Laced through the roar of the ‘waterfall’ he hears the fluid notes of an orchestra – like a thousand harps – but in fact, it was the voices of 144,000 followers of the Lamb.

One waterfall resonates with the other. The Lamb’s followers echo their Master. His words have become their words; they sing his praise and they bear witness to the truth he has taught them. The authority of his voice gives weight and substance to their voice. Their witness is compelling – with peals of thunder reverberating through their song.

And John understands that no matter how much rejection the church may have to endure on earth, their worship is welcomed and treasured in heaven.

One more time, in Revelation 19:6, John hears the same majestic “roar of rushing waters”, again with “loud peals of thunder. A huge choir of worshippers is singing the original 'Hallelujah Chorus' -

Yinlianzhui Falls, China

Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!

For the wedding of the Lamb has come,

and his bride has made herself ready.

This joy is the very heart of Christian worship. Augustine once said that 'a Christian is a jubilant hallelujah from head to toe', whether in our private prayers or public lives.

What amazes me is that the majestic cataract voice and teaching of Jesus does not drown out the praise of his people. He gives us voice and ignites within us hallelujahs that thunder around the world and will echo down throughout eternity.

Do I hear you singing?