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(with ver. 5): — Setting these two passages together, we get these two truths, that the redeemed are servants, and that they are also kings. Their eternity is to be an eternity of service, and an eternity of dominion.

I. SERVICE. His servants shall serve Him. They are the servants of God, and the servants of the Lamb. As Christ was the Father's servant, so do we become. Let us ask, —

1. When this service begins? It begins at conversion. For conversion is

(1)  a change of service;

(2)  a change of masters;

(3)  a change of motive;

(4)  a change of work.

2. How it begins? Christ answers this: "If any man serve Me, let him follow Me." It begins by taking His yoke; by taking the cross; by denying self; or, as the apostle expresses it, by "obeying from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto us."

3. How it is carried on? By a life of devotedness to God and His Christ; by doing His will, working His work, carrying out His plans, running His errands, looking after His interests.

4. Where it is carried on? First here on earth, and afterwards in the new Jerusalem before the throne. It is carried on everywhere; in the closet, in the family, at the table, round the hearth, in the market, in the shop, in the field, on the highway — everywhere. How it is to be carried on hereafter we know not. In the city and out of it; at the throne and away from it; all over space; doing every kind of work; such shall be the service hereafter.

5. How long it shall last? For ever. It has a beginning, but not an end. It is an eternal service. All other services are bondage, this is liberty: all others are drudgery, this is blessedness throughout. The Master now waits to hire you; will you not be hired?

II. THE DOMINION. They shall reign for ever. This is wholly future.

1. Who are these feigners? They are men, not angels.

2. Whence came they? Out of sin, out of weakness, and persecution, and tribulation.

3. How did they become what they are? They washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. They believed and became sons of God.

4. What raised them to this dignity? Grace; God's free love.

5. In what way did they reach the throne? They fought their way to it.

6. How extensive is this dominion to be? He that overcometh shall inherit all things. Heaven and earth are theirs. "Heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ."

7. How long is it to last? For ever. It is an everlasting dominion; a kingdom that shall not be destroyed.

(H. Bonar, D. D.)

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KJV: And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

WEB: There will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants serve him.