Bible Study:
Revelation Chapter 4:6-11
October 24, 2006 To receive the greatest possible blessing from this Bible study, please take a moment to read the passage.
Prayer:
Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all things, we praise and worship You. You, alone, are worthy to receive our highest honor. May our songs, deeds, and motives be acceptable in Your sight. In Jesus’ name, we offer our sacrifice of praise. Amen.
Introduction:
Thanks to modern technology, there are satellites in orbit far above earth’s surface, which can target a quarter on a sidewalk. Not only are they capable of transmitting which side is up, they read the fine print on the coin. It’s eerie to think that we can’t scratch an itch without someone across the world knowing about. Okay, so maybe it’s not that bad yet, but their observations are diminishing our privacy.
The government seems to watch all the wrong people. The criminals and terrorists find ways of evading the scope of the most secure systems available. However, the watchful eye of God is upon us all. No one will evade or escape His observation. He never sleeps. He never even blinks.
The Lesson:
Verse 6a begins with the crystal sea before the throne of God. Exodus 30:18-19 states: Place it (a bronze basin) between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it. Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet with water from it. This was an ordinance to be followed by all priests thereafter. It is the shadow of the crystal sea mentioned in today’s text. It signifies that before people can enter the presence of God they must be cleansed. For Christians, it signifies the cleansing we receive through the blood of the Lamb.
Verses 6b-8a describes four beasts that dwell between the throne of God and the twenty-four elders. (Ezekiel also had a similar vision Ezekiel 1:14-18).
N Covered with eyes (v. 6b and 8a) represents the creatures' continual watchfulness. Matthew Henry wrote that these represent the ministers of the gospel for several reasons: (1) they are situated nearer to God then the elders; (2) there are fewer of them; (3) their numerous eyes watch the souls of the congregation (without) and the state of their own souls (within). Not all commentators agree with this analogy, but most do agree that the elders present the church.
N The first creature resembled a lion—courage and strength
N The second creature resembled an ox—labor and diligence
N The third creature resembled a man—prudence and discretion
N The fourth creature resembled an eagle—swiftness and zeal.
The creatures never rest. They praise God night and day. The elders become so enthused with the praise they throw their crowns at the foot of the throne and join the worship. As a recap of last weeks study, the five crowns are:
¼ The crown of eternal victory awarded to those who fight the good fight—I Corinthians 9:25
¼ The crown of rejoicing awarded to those who bring others to Christ—I Thessalonians 2:19
¼ The crown of righteousness awarded to those who long for Jesus’ appearing—II Timothy 4:8.
¼ The crown of life awarded to those who persevere under trial—James 1:12
¼ The crown of glory awarded to those who humbly serve the Lord—I Peter 5:4.
Unlike earthly possessions, which we are to give a tenth of the first fruits, we will gladly throw 100% of what we have to the One who is worthy to be praised. All creatures great and small will worship the Creator continually holding nothing back.
It seems nice to think that we will thank those who have played significant roles in our salvation. However, that concept is not Biblical. When we get to heaven, all praise, honor, and glory will be given to the Redeemer, the Lamb of God. After receiving the Revelation, John attempted to honor an angel with worship. The angel refused John’s praise. At this I (John) fell at his feet to worship him (the angel). But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!...” (Revelation 19:10).
Conclusion and Challenge:
Scripture tells us that all nature waits for the Lord’s coming. Your will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands (Isaiah 55:12). What a spectacular event His appearing shall be! When all nature is released from the curse of the fall, there will be a praise and worship service that will continue through all eternity.
I don’t know about you, but I need practice if I’m going to join the throng. One exercise that elevates and stimulates praise is the alphabet game. Think of a word or two that describes Jesus for each letter of the alphabet. After you make your list, read it aloud in worship to the King of kings.
Another very simple, yet, extremely powerful form of worship and praise is—read the Bible aloud. The Psalms are especially effective for this. Read entire chapters with an attitude of praise. They uplift the soul, brighten ho-hum moods, and usher the broken hearted into the presence of God. Psalm 22:3 tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people. Psalm 100 calls for us to enter His courts with praise. READ IT ALOUD!
Psalms 100
1. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
2. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Prayer Requests:
The Bingaman family, Melinda & Barry and family, Phyllis and husband, Don, John, Ray, Conner, Elizabeth, Mary, Irene, Jace, salvation for unsaved, April, Tony and Kathy, Carl, revival—In our hearts, in our churches, and in our communities, cancer victims, our Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
Praise Report:
Wayne and April are expecting their first baby April 2007. Congratulations.
Anita’s Daughter-in-law received a good report from her doctor.
Samantha wrist healed after a long summer of treatments.
Elizabeth is home from the hospital and able to stay in her own home.
Ray and Ginny will be pastoring a church in Brookville. Praise the LORD for answered prayer.
I had the great pleasure of hearing the testimony of one of my loved ones who is now saved. WOO HOO!! God is so good—always, all ways.
We are looking forward to your praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Next Weeks Study:
Our next Bible Study is November 7, 2006. Read Chapter 5 to find out who is worthy to open the book and break the seals.
Invitation:
Although we have not chosen to be, we are all born into sin because of the fall of man. It sounds hopeless and unfair. Nevertheless, in His infinite wisdom and abundant love, God has provided a choice for us. We can choose to repent of our sinful nature and believe in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and will cleanse us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit to equip us to live for Him. If you’ve made your choice to repent and believe in Jesus, we’d like to hear about it.
If you are free in Christ Jesus, pray for those who remain captive. Tell others, Christians as well as non-believers, what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will benefit them and help you to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s work in your life and in the future.
If you’d like to participate in our Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests at twosmallfish@verizon.net.
A special reminder: to find out what other readers have to say check out the comment page.
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
See you in a twinkling,
Brenda Hendricks.
You turned
my mourning into dancing
You stripped me of my sorrow and clothed me with your joy
I cannot be silent, I will sing Your praises forever. Psalms 30:11&12
(paraphrased by me)
