WORTHY IS THE LAMB

OUR AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

RECOUNT the events in Revelation 5 and relate them to the majesty we must afford Jesus; TRUST that as we submit to the will of God, the Holy Ghost will sustain us despite the troubles of life; and DECIDE to worship and praise God continuously, with zeal, 

through all of life's situations. 

FOCAL VERSES Revelation 5:6-13

KEEP IN MIND 

"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" (Revelation 5:12).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Slaughtered But Still Standing (Revelation 5:6-7)

2. Taking the Scroll (v. 8)

3. Power Belongs to You (vv. 9-12)

4. Victory Will Come (v. 13)

IN FOCUS STORY

Queen Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes Lyon was the wife of King George VI and the mother of Queen Elizabeth II, who still reigns as the Queen of England. When the Queen Mother, as she was know, died in 2002, the entire nation mourned her passing and those who had not known of the work she and her husband did were treated to an amazing history lesson by the media.

At the height of World War II, when England was being bombed, she refused the safety of sanctuary in North America. She declared that she would not sequester her family from the people she and her husband felt called to care for and lead. She felt the ferar of her countrymen when bombs fell on Buckingham Palace. She sent messages to the women in France to express her sorrow as their nation fell to enemy fire. She and her husband visited the sick in hospitals and the troops on the field. She went into factories to encourage those who worked there and to show her appreciation for all they did for the nation. She wept with others when their family members, like hers, were killed on the battlefield members, like hers, here killed on the battlefield of war. 

When the Queen Mother died, the streets were filled with people who remembered her sacrifices or had heard the stories of the strength of character she and her husband displayed while they headed the nation. In death, she was afforded all of the honor due her rank and her sacrifice because she exercised godly integrity and love in the midst of a difficult time.

It is fitting that those who have a heart for others be given the utmost respect and honor by their families, peers, and community. However, no amount of praise can represent the honor and majesty that are due Jesus Christ for the sacrifice He made to save humankind. Today's lesson allows a glimpse of the celebration of Jesus as the Lamb that was slain. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

John. The beloved disciple who was one of the twelve apostles, son of Zebedee, and brother of James (also one of the Twelve.) John was exiled to Patmos "for preaching the word of GOd and for [his] testimony about Jesus" (Revelation 1:9, NLT). Some events on the island of Patmos are reflected in the visions John describes in his book. John's separation from the mainland was quite intensely felt and thus expressed in his writings.

Patmos. A small, rocky, barren island in the Aegean Sea, about 56 miles (90 km) southwest of Ephesus. Roman political prisoners were the majority in exile on Patmos. The emperor Domitian had banished John to this island. This is where John received and recorded the revelation from God that is presented in this final book of the Bible. 

BACKGROUND

The book of Revelation may have been written in A.D. 96 during the reign of Domitian. However, the date is disputed, and others think that it could have been written in A.D. 68 during the reign of Nero. The pivotal point the Revelation occurs in chapters 4 and 5. The final triumph of the Lamb is tied to the risen Lord's opening exhortation to the church and the judgments pronounced in chapters 2 and 3. These chapters warn the church about coming afflictions and God's ultimate triumph and five a historical and theological basis of the risen Lamb's authority over the church and the world. The Lamb is enthroned and empowered to carry out judgment in the world. Revelation points to future hope, and faithfulness and perseverance are called for from all. Readers are directed to focus on the glorious world to come. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. Who was between the throne and the four living creatures, and among the elders (Revelation 5:6)?

2. How did the Lamb get the scroll and from whom (v. 7)?

3. Who prostrated themselves before the Lamb (v. 8)?

4. What were singing with a loud voice (v. 12)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. What is the significance of John as the writer of Revelation?

2. Whom do the beasts and elders represent?

3. The song mentioned in Revelation 5:9-13 is divinely inspired. Is there a song of praise that inspires you to recall what Jesus has done in your life?

4. Our In Focus story explains that some 60 years after World War II, the Queen Mother of England was remembered for her sacrifices and care. Who in your life do you appreciate for the personal and spiritual care they have given to you?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

Most people are willing to give honor to those who carry a title or hold a position in the church or in the world, but few are willing to fully celebrate "the ordinary saints" who succeed in spite of the storms that come into their lives. When saints see what others have gone through and where they have come from, we should celebrate what they have been able to do through the Lord. 

1. How can the fellowship of the saints better celebrate such people?

2. What encouragement would such celebration give to the next generation of others who are also facing challenges?

MAKE IT HAPPEN 

True success comes from knowing that what you have been gifted to do, you have done and are doing. When we are faithful to the call on our lives, other will be blessed for years to come. Remember that God has given you a purpose in life. You have been called and empowered by the Holy Ghost to fulfill that purpose before you leave this earth. Being faithful in accomplishing your purpose means that everyone whose blessing is connected to your destiny will receive what God has for them. More importantly, you will receive your reward in heaven for all that you do to complete God's purpose in your life. 

1. What has God given you to do? Are you doing that Have you asked others to pray with you as you go forward?

2. If you have not yielded to the work God has called you to do, why? Have you sought Him for the strength, wisdom, and skill to carry it out despite the struggles that may press you? If not, why not?

3.Whatever your gift or talent, Jesus Christ, the Lamb that was slain, has made provision for you to carry out God's plan. How are you giving Him honor through your daily devotion and praise? Through your work and the way you represent Him in all you do? Through the testimony that you speak and live before others?

(Except from The Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)