Bible Band Lesson (May 9, 2013)

TOPIC:  The Unforgettable Feast

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Revelation 19:5-10

DEVOTIONAL READING:  Revelation 19:1-21

CENTRAL VERSE:  Revelation 19:6

INTRODUCTION: As Christians we often wonder what it will be like living in God's new world.  The Bible tells us that the older order will give way to a new one where there will be holiness and where God will be in absolute control.  We will worship Him day an night.  Our less this week focuses our attention on that final banquet at which all the redeemed will be present as we s it with the Kings of Kings.

THE VOICE FROM THE THRONE Revelation 19:5

John continued to watch in his vision the things that God was revealing to him. In this part of the vision, John heard a voice that came from the throne.  He listened carefully.  It is a call to praise God.  The call is  extended to all the servants of God.

These servants of God are called to join in with the twenty0-four elders and the other living beings who are already in the process of lifting up the name of their God in praise and worship.  Included in this large number of people who worship God are those who fear Him.  Fear in the Bible is not a cringing fear but a sense of awe that comes from standing in the holy presence of Deity.  John heard the invitation to praise extended to all those who fear and reverence the God who sits on the throne.
 

THE WEDDING FEAST Revelation 19:6-8
Eating together has always been a mark of celebration through the ages.  In the kingdom, that will certainly be the case.  A loud chorus of voices recognizes that God is the center of attraction.  John heard what was like the roar of waives or thunder, and it shouted words of praise to God.  The people recognize God as their King.  He is their ruler.  They rejoice and honor Him by joining in the wedding feast that God has prepared for His people, the redeemed.

The bride is the church, the people of God.  the bride also wears fine linen.  We are told that fine linen is symbolic of the good works done b y those who belong to God.  We learn here that this event is the grand finale of what God has been doing through the centuries.  He is preparing the very best for His people.  This includes a new  city and the wedding feast.  He also has made sure that God and man are in sweet and intimate fellowship for all time .  This is demonstrated by the wedding feast of the Lamb where Jesus celebrates the receiving of His bride, the church.

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ARE INVITED TO THE FEAST Revelation 19:9-10

Only those who are invited are welcomed at the final banquet of the Lamb.  Those who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb can come to this feast.  Jesus has done His part already.  He died on the cross for us.  He shed His blood so that we could be cleansed.  Now it is up to us to do our part.  We have to accept Him.  As children of God we are invited to the final banquet.

ESSENTIAL THOUGHT:

"Accept Jesus as your personal Savior and receive your invitation.."

QUESTIONS:

1.  What is the marriage of the Lamb (verse 7)?  Who is the wife of the Lamb?
2.  When did the marriage supper occur?