Read Revelation 6:9–17
Questions from the Scripture text: What does the Lamb open in Revelation 6:9? What did John see? Where? What had been done to them? For what two things? What were they doing (Revelation 6:10)? With what kind of voice? What were they asking? What did they call the Lord? What did they want Him to do? What was given to each of them (Revelation 6:11)? What was said to them? Until what were they to rest? What two numbers are mentioned? What does the Lamb open in Revelation 6:12? What happens on earth? What happens to the sun? What happens to the moon? What happens to the stars (Revelation 6:13)? In what manner? What happens to the sky (Revelation 6:14)? What happens to every mountain? What happens to every island? What seven types of men does Revelation 6:15 mention? What do they do? What do they say to what in Revelation 6:16? From Whom are they desperate to be hidden? What day has come (Revelation 6:17)? What is the presumed answer to the question in verse 17b?
Next week’s Call to Worship, Prayer for Help, Song of Adoration, and Prayer of Confession all come from Revelation 6:9–17, so that we will see that we are singing God’s thoughts after Him with When This Passing World Is Done.
We live in an age of longing. On earth, the creation groans (cf. Romans 8:22), and those who have the firstfruits of the Spirit groan (cf. Romans 8:23), and the Spirit Himself groans (cf. Romans 8:26). In heaven, glorified souls cry out how long (Revelation 6:10). They have white robes already, but the answer to the “how long” question is that there are two numbers that must be completed.
The first number is the number of their fellow-servants. Here is the doctrine of election unto salvation. God has an exact number whom He is saving, and the end of this age is waiting for its completion.
The second number is the number of their brethren who would be killed as they were. Here is the doctrine of divine providence. The Lord has assigned to each of us a cross. Those for whom that cross is to be murdered for the faith are a number that has been established by God. How much each of us may be helped in taking up our own cross by the knowledge that our Redeemer has specifically selected it for us!
But this is the age of faith. And it will be followed by the age of sight. We will see the horror that awaits every last one who is not among those servants and brethren mentioned in Revelation 6:11. The earth that seemed so reliable to them will become a great, quavering instability. The heavens to which they looked will host darkness and death (Revelation 6:12) and fall to pieces (Revelation 6:13). They who lived as if God and the Lamb did not exist, did not see, did not judge… they will cry out for shelter that they will never obtain (Revelation 6:16). None will be spared, from the highest of kings to the lowest of slaves (Revelation 6:15).
When believers see what comes upon all the rest of humanity, how greatly will they marvel at what the Lamb has done for them! But when they see Him Who sits on the throne and the Lamb, how greatly will they marvel at what the Lamb has won for them!
It is the age of faith—substance of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen. And already those who believe marvel at what God has done for them. But when faith becomes sight, we will know it much better still.
How much do you long for the day of Christ’s wrath? What will you learn then about yourself?
Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage?” or TPH470 “When This Passing World Is Done”
No comments:
Post a Comment