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LEARN & GROW
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Week of December 6, 2009
KEY VERSE
"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." (Rev 4:11 ESV)
CENTRAL TRUTH
God is in control no matter how dark things may seem to us.
DEVOTION
Have you ever wondered what heaven is like? The book of Revelation takes us right to the very throne of God and we are given a wonderful look at what is taking place there. The throne of God is pictured in terms of extravagance; it has beautiful gems, the most precious of known elements, and it is surrounded by a rainbow which is the display of every color of light. In this opulent setting we see God's created beings surrounding his throne and offering up worship in a continual stream of praise. But did you notice what is happening on earth during this heavenly worship time? The world is being judged. The Lamb of God, who is the only one worthy to open the scroll of judgment, has opened the first six seals of the scroll. The earth is deluged with war, blood, famine and death; there are earthquakes; the sun and the moon are visibly changed and even the stars fall to the earth. Clearly, the text describes a time of chaos and consternation. Anyone living on the earth at this time will undoubtedly feel great fear and possibly experience devastating hardship. I remember studying Revelation with my kids just before the events of September 11, 2001. When terrorists crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, none of us knew what it meant. Would there be more terrorist attacks? Would we be engulfed in a war fought in our country? Would my family be safe? Once I realized something serious was happening to our country, my thoughts immediately went to these chapters of Revelation. I thought about God on his throne, surrounded by worship. I knew that the Bible says that even if the earth in is chaos, God is on his throne. He has not forgotten us and He is still in control. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea" (Psalm 46:1-2). These are the two main settings in the book of Revelation. Yes, there will be a judgment of the people on earth which will cause incredible suffering and devastation to all of creation. But in heaven, there will be light, joy, and worship in the presence of God. Standing or bowing before the throne of God will be angels, the twenty-four elders, the four living creatures and all of the redeemed. At any given time, earth might be in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, or we may be experiencing our own great troubles such as financial, medical, or family problems. But we can press on with peace and strength given by the Holy Spirit, because God is on his throne and he is in sovereign control of every event on earth. No matter what problems we face now, we know that in heaven we will be with him and he will wipe away every tear from our eyes.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What circumstances seem overwhelming to you? Can you find two verses in the Bible that describe God's care and protection for you?
- Can you describe what heaven is like, based on Revelation 4-6?
- How many songs to God are listed in these chapters?
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