As with so much of Revelation, we are inclined to project the Lord’s words into the future. John, though, wrote these words down some two thousand years ago as a description of “the things that must soon take place” (Revelation 1:1). The fullness of the marriage feast of the Lamb and his Bride is undoubtedly yet to be, but already (as any bridegroom on the cusp of marriage!) Christ claims the Bride as his own and already she has dressed herself for the big day, and already the invitations have been sent (Revelation 19:9). The reality of the marriage feast has already begun! It is precisely the present reality of the marriage feast that prompts the joy and exultation mentioned at the beginning of this verse. That in turn also means that the servants of God need not—must not!—be focused on the rise of the next Babylon but may focus their attention on the blessed union with the Groom.
7 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;