The joy that God commands here will not end in sorrow, but will continue forever. It is the joy of an eternal victory.
God’s command to rejoice is always good and it is safe. So much human rejoicing will be regretted. Men rejoice at the prospect of gain, at the possession of riches, at their success in getting away with sin. But for all these joys they will experience a corresponding sorrow. That sorrow will be greater than any joy which knew in the act of sin. Is it really worth indulging in a joy that will be snatched away from us? ‘Solid joys and lasting treasure, none but Zion’s children know.’
But how easy it will be for the saints to obey this command. Now they know they are utterly in tune with the will of God. To do his will is their great pleasure. They will prove that godliness with contentment is great gain. It is such gain as they never imagined on earth. They have been brought into an infinite realm of pleasure in the presence of God. They bask in his approval, the object of his love whose care and protection is guaranteed for eternity.
World governments will be judged if there is no repentance and turning away from the seductress, this present world culture, covetousness, love of things, sexual alternatives! Rome fell not only to homosexuality but to gender fluidity too. All those things undermined Rome in ancient times, and they are undermining the West right now, and bringing this nation – the USA and others and all of Europe – down also. We can see it happening before our eyes. All the hatred that is directed against Christ and the church, and the persecution of individuals, will be avenged when the beast out of the sea, world governments, and the woman Babylon, finally fall.
Should we rejoice over human misery? No, but Babylon is at an end; no more souls will be sucked into its deception. What a day will be the triumph of Christ! Vengeance – God has seen more than enough hostility towards his people. Now he will repay it.