The Church School Lesson
THE IMPROVED ADULT TEACHER QUARTERLY
Lesson 9 April 29, 2018
BLESSING, GLORY, HONOR FOREVER
Lesson Scripture: Revelation 5:6-14
Focus Scripture: Revelation 5:6-14
Key Verse: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" Revelation 5: 12 (NRSV)
REVELATION 5:6-14 (NRSV)
6 Then I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne.
8 When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
9 They sing a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation;
10 you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth."
11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
12 singing with full voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!"
13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"
14 And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the elders fell down and worshiped.
REVELATION 5:6-14 (KJV)
6 And I beheld, and, 10, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
HOME DAILY BIBLE READINGS
April 23 - April 29
Monday - 1 Peter 1 :3-9 (Rejoice! Your Salvation Is in Christ)
Tuesday - 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (All Subject to God Through Christ)
Wednesday - Exodus 29:38-46 (Sanctified by Lambs Sacrificed Daily)
Thursday - Romans 8:31-39 (Christ, Our Suffering, and Salvation)
Friday - Ezekiel 2:8-3:11 (Eat the Scroll, Speak My Words)
Saturday - Revelation 5:1-5 (Only One Can Open the Scroll)
Sunday - Revelation 5:6-14 (All Creatures Worship the Lamb)
INTRODUCTION
When was the last time a person did for you, without charge, a job you needed done, but could not do yourself? For Tony, it was in June four years ago. He was driving on a highway in the middle of nowhere, when his front left tire blew out. Tony checked his spare tire. It was flat. He had not renewed his roadside assistance membership, so he could not call for roadside service. He searched his phone apps for the nearest service station. None were close. So, although he did not want to, Tony phoned an old friend, Ron. That was his best hope. Ron was reluctant to drive that distance at 11 :00 p.m. He was already in bed. But when he sensed Tony's distress, he agreed.
Ron, with sleep tugging at his eyes, drove the 192 miles to Tony. Ron called for a tow-truck to take the car to the nearest tire service shop, which was open. He paid Tony's bill because Tony did not have the money. Tony thanked Ron profusely. Then Tony drove off to continue his journey to the office where his job interview was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. that day.
Before that experience, Tony and Ron were just casual friends. After, they became close buddies. Now they talk to each other often. They visit each other's homes, and share some holidays together. Tony is forever grateful to Ron. Tony's story may be too simplified to show how Jesus did for us what we could not do for ourselves. But the basics are there. We were like Tony, in desperate need of a savior. Jesus, at great personal cost, came, saved us, and gave us the chance to move forward to a richer relationship with God. We could not do that for ourselves. In Revelation 5 heaven applauds this.
As we work this lesson, try to grasp that truth. Further, see one crucial exception to the Tony-Ron story. Tony called Ron because Ron was his best option. Jesus is our only option. On earth, he was the only person capable of dying for us, and reconciling us to God. Heaven honors Jesus for that. Moreover, in heaven, Jesus (the Lamb, the Lion of the tribe of Judah) is the only one qualified to remove the seals of the scroll. Revelation 5 should awaken in all Christians a deeper sense of gratitude to Jesus. The Son never stops looking out for us, whether on earth or in heaven. Look at how the passage confirms that Jesus is worthy of all worship.
THE BIBLE STORY
In Revelation 5 John saw Jesus in heaven doing a task, which testified of Jesus' unique, divine nature. We first saw this nature in the redemption story. Only Jesus (the Perfect Lamb) was good enough to pay the price for sin and redeem humanity. Again, verse 9, only Jesus is good enough to break the seals that bind the scroll. By breaking the seals Jesus instantly revealed God's plans and set them in motion. Thank God for Jesus. He is indeed worthy of our praise.
In the text, we see terms from other places in scripture. The phrase "Lion of the tribe of Judah" comes from Genesis 49:9. It pointed to Israel as a great power. The term "Root of David" comes from Isaiah 11:1-10 (also Jeremiah 23:5). This speaks of a new king and deliverer of Israel.
Consider that in John's vision, these two phrases take on new meanings in and through Christ, the worthy slain and risen Lamb. In the Old Testament, the terms looked forward to what was to happen. They were prophetic. In Revelation, Jesus has conquered absolutely, and thus his legitimacy to open the seals. The terms, "Lion of the tribe of Judah" and "Root of David" in verse 5 are therefore now celebratory.
Anyone who still struggles with doubts about the deity of Jesus Christ should pay special attention to verse 6. The "horns" and "eyes" in the verse are symbols for power and insight respectively. Hence, the Lamb (Jesus Christ) is presented as having full power (omnipotent) and vision that sees everyone and everything (omniscient). These attributes are reserved for God only. The Lamb is therefore God, or shares the same attributes of God. That is compelling.
Now we turn to the hymn of praise, which starts in verse 9. First, appreciate that the hymn is new. In what sense is it new? The newness is in the sense that this song is post-redemption. It could not be sung before the Lamb had been sacrificed and humankind reconciled to God through the blood of the Lamb. That is what distinguished this song from previous songs sung in heaven.
In addition, the series of events that will unfold after this point will result in a new heaven and a new earth. For this reason, some commentators see chapter 5 as pivotal (the turning point) for the whole book of Revelation. Concerning the new age (which comes after chapter 5), when God ushers in the new age completely, the faithful will have new names and they will live in the New Jerusalem, set in the new heaven and new earth.
What can we say about the content of the hymn itself? We can say it reminds us of what we already know from other scriptures. It proclaims Jesus as God's Lamb who was slain to ransom people for God. And by his blood, Jesus made the redeemed people into a kingdom, and priests for God. This closely reflects the "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people," of 1 Peter 2:9.
Last, please appreciate that John used the Jewish ritual of Yom Kippur and its sacrifices to symbolize his understanding of what Jesus did. What is significant about this is that in the Yom Kippur context, God, not the people, provided the sacrifice.
LIFE APPLICATION
A thorough reading of Revelation 5 awakes in Christians a strong sense of belonging and commitment to Christ. Reflections like this affirm for believers their connection to the faith community that is united in Christ. Is this true for you? When you worship do you realize that you join your voice in praise with fellow believers around the world and across time? Seriously think about this. If you are not yet enjoying this sense of connection, spend private time trying to get the image of connection in your mind. Seek it until you find it. It will strengthen your Christian walk among fellow believers and non-believers alike.
Take a moment and mentally revisit Lesson 8, where we referenced God's throne room. Then, step back into this week's lesson which features Jesus Christ. When you picture these two lessons together, what conclusions can you draw? Can you conclude that despite what appears to be happening around you, God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is in control? Stop and think about the triumphant titles of Jesus, and those he empowers, in scriptures like Rev. 5:5, Rev. 3:21, Rom. 8:37, and Matt. 28:18-20. This will stir hope and courage in you. Always remember Jesus' victories give us the assurance we are on the winning team. We are the true "Warriors from the Golden State"!
Most reputable Bible commentators agree that in the worship scenes of Revelation, peoples of all languages, ethnic groups, and nations are represented. This awareness should prompt us to pray for people in other nations, especially believers living in non-Christians countries. God's people are one, wherever they live. And as part of that community, we should do our part to bear up one another in prayer. Be confident that your prayers have power, and can help to influence events around the world. Some believers devote entire prayer sessions to praying for believers around the world. This is a great practice. Consider how you can copy it into your own prayer schedule.
In the set passage, the writer puts a spotlight on the redemption work of Jesus Christ. At times, we can take the royal sacrifice of Christ for granted. Take steps to guard against such complacency. Make it a point every now and then to recognize and thank God for the redeeming sacrifice of Christ. Such a practice will help you to guard against approaching worship as a rote routine. We cannot thank God enough for the salvation that came through Christ. That salvation is the platform for the worship images in Revelation 5.
SUMMARY
In this lesson, the spotlight is on Jesus Christ, the Lamb and the Lion, in heaven. As Jesus did on earth, so he did in heaven: complete work no one else was qualified to do. - The scenes in the passage confirm for all who understand them, Jesus' worthiness to receive our praise and worship. This should enhance our appreciation of the redeeming work of Christ, and move us up to deeper levels of worship.
QUESTIONS
1. What do the links between Revelation and passages in other books of the Bible say to you?
2. Did this lesson give you better insight into the symbolism and scenes in Revelation?
3. How often do you pray for believers in other nations?
CLOSING DEVOTION
Dear Father, I am grateful for Jesus and the salvation work he did on my behalf. Because of the sacrifice of the Lamb I now have strong hope of a glorious life in eternity with you and all the heavenly hosts. Thank you, Lord! I thank you for saving me. And Father, remember those people in other nations who are struggling to know the truth about you and Jesus. Open ways for them to find that wonderful truth. This I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the third day He arose from the dead, He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Church Universal, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
D E C A L 0 G U E
Superintendent-And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law
Superintendent-Thou shalt not make unto thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law
Superintendent-Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord hath made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested on the seventh day: Wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and hallowed it.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
My soul be on thy guard,
Ten Thousand foes arise;
And hosts of sins are pressing hard
To draw thee from the skies
Superintendent-Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Thou shalt not kill.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Thou shalt not commit adultery.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Thou shalt not steal.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and write these laws upon our hearts.
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me;
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!
Superintendent-Hear what Christ, our Savior saith: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great Commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two Commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
All-Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
CROSSING THE READ SEA
Why is the Kingdom concept envisioned so strong? Review Solomon’s Prayer 2 Chronicles chapter 6....
“As Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons to be judges over Israel. Joel and Abijah, his oldest sons, held court in Beersheba. But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice. Finally, all the elders of Israel met at Ramah to discuss the matter with Samuel. “Look,” they told him, “you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.” Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance. “Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for they are rejecting me, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.” So Samuel passed on the Lord’s warning to the people who were asking him for a king. “This is how a king will reign over you,” Samuel said. “The king will draft your sons and assign them to his chariots and his charioteers, making them run before his chariots. Some will be generals and captains in his army, some will be forced to plow in his fields and harvest his crops, and some will make his weapons and chariot equipment. The king will take your daughters from you and force them to cook and bake and make perfumes for him. He will take away the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his own officials. He will take a tenth of your grain and your grape harvest and distribute it among his officers and attendants. He will take your male and female slaves and demand the finest of your cattle and donkeys for his own use. He will demand a tenth of your flocks, and you will be his slaves. When that day comes, you will beg for relief from this king you are demanding, but then the Lord will not help you.” But the people refused to listen to Samuel’s warning. “Even so, we still want a king,” they said. “We want to be like the nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle.” So Samuel repeated to the Lord what the people had said, and the Lord replied, “Do as they say, and give them a king.” Then Samuel agreed and sent the people home.”
1 Samuel 8:1-22 NLT
Gen 21 has several key points. Birth of Isaac, Hagar and Sarah dynamic and concept of being a resident alien.
“Now at that time Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do; so now, swear to me here by God that you will not deal unfairly with me [by breaking any agreements we have] or with my son or with my descendants, but as I have treated you with kindness, you shall do the same to me and to the land in which you have sojourned (temporarily lived).” And Abraham said, “I will swear.” Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well of water which the servants of Abimelech had [violently] seized [from him], Abimelech said, “I do not know who did this thing. Indeed, you did not tell me, and I did not hear of it until today.” So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant (binding agreement). Then Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs of the flock, and Abimelech said to Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs which you have set apart?” Abraham said, “You are to accept these seven ewe lambs from me as a witness for me, that I dug this well.” Therefore that place was called Beersheba (Well of the Oath or Well of the Seven), because there the two of them swore an
oath. So they made a covenant at Beersheba; then Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, got up and returned to the land of the Philistines. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD [in prayer], the Eternal God. And Abraham lived [as a resident alien] in the land of the Philistines for many days.”
GENESIS 21:22-34 AMP
Scroll, what is worthy of being written?
“Then Amalek [and his people] came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek [and his people]. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses said, and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the hilltop. Now when Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and when he lowered his hand [due to fatigue], Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy and he grew tired. So they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side and one on the other side; so it was that his hands were steady until the sun set. So Joshua overwhelmed and defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this in the book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly wipe out the memory of Amalek [and his people] from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner; saying, “The LORD has sworn [an oath]; the LORD will have war against [the people of] Amalek from generation to generation.””
EXODUS 17:8-16 AMP
Discuss the importance of seals and scrolls. What other parallels can we find in the Bible?
“My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my psalm to the King. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer. You are fairer than the sons of men; Graciousness is poured upon Your lips; Therefore God has blessed You forever. Strap Your sword on Your thigh, O mighty One, In Your splendor and Your majesty! And in Your majesty ride on triumphantly For the cause of truth and humility and righteousness; Let Your right hand guide You to awesome things. Your arrows are sharp; The peoples (nations) fall under You; Your arrows pierce the hearts of the King’s enemies. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness (virtue, morality, justice) and hated wickedness; Therefore God, your God, has anointed You Above Your companions with the oil of jubilation. All Your garments are fragrant with myrrh, aloes and cassia; From ivory palaces stringed instruments have made You glad. Kings’ daughters are among Your noble ladies; At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir.”
PSALM 45:1-9 AMP How
“King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) imposed a tax on the land and on the coastlands of the sea. And all the accomplishments of his authority and strength, and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai to which the king had raised him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia? For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews and in favor with his many fellow people, for he worked for the good of his people and spoke for the welfare and peace of his whole nation.”
ESTHER 10:1-3 AMP
