According to legend, King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table established a society called Camelot and tried to make it a utopia. They fought for righteousness and justice instead of mere wealth or fame. Of course, this dream fell apart due to sin. Yet some of the legends say that Arthur did not die and one day, when the time is right, the king will return from the isle of Avalon to rescue England and try again.

The story of Revelation is the story of the return of the one true King. In today’s reading, the seventh trumpet finally sounds, bringing to conclusion the second cycle of judgments. One more cycle remains—the seven bowl judgments (see Revelation 16). But the story of Revelation is not only one of apocalyptic chaos, judgment, and death. It also records ongoing opportunities for people to repent, marked by God’s love, redemption, and justice. He is being glorified in all that is happening.

This is why a cosmic announcement is made: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever” (v. 15). The battle is over. The King has returned!

This is also why the 24 elders fall on their faces in worship and sing a special hymn (vv. 16–18). They praise the Son because He’s begun to reign. Worldliness and evil will no longer be tolerated. He is “the One who is and who was”—“who is to come” is omitted because the future is now! Now is the time of judgment for unbelievers. The wrath of God will be justly poured out. Now is also the time of rewards for believers. Obedient reverence and faithfulness will be recognized. Jesus had promised that it would be so (Matt. 19:28–30).

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