Scripture: Revelation 7:9-17

Aim: To stir up the spirit of the believer to worship God in spirit and in truth, as done in Heaven.

Golden Text: “After this I beheld, and, lo. a great multitude which no man could number … stood before the throne, and before the Lamb … and cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb’” (Revelation 7:9-10).

John the Apostle received the great revelation of the end times, which he faithfully recorded in the book of Revelation. This lesson is particularly devoted to a scene of the worship of God and Christ by a great heavenly multitude of individuals, both angelic and human.

I. The passage begins with a great multitude worshipping (vs. 9-10). This is a diverse group of various peoples from everywhere, from every walk of life, from every people group, from every nation, and from all the ages of time.

It is a “great multitude, which no man could number”! The peoples from all time and all nations upon the earth are gathered before the throne of God to worship and adore their God and Savior.

The redeemed are dressed in white robes, which is the righteousness of the saints, carrying palms of victory in their hands (vs. 9). What a sight this will be! What an experience to enjoy!

This multitude will praise God with a “loud voice,” saying, “Salvation to our God (salvation of the redeemed is from God) and to the Lamb, our Lord Jesus Christ (Who is co-equal, co-eternal with the Father). All the work of Christ in redemption will then be justified and rewarded!

II. Next, the heavenly hosts join in the worship of God (vs. 11-12). What a sight that is going to be! It will be a great worship service by the redeemed and hosts of heaven. All bow upon their faces (in humility and submission) as they join in worshipping God (vs. 11).

They with one accord offer praises: “Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever” (vs. 12). Our God and Saviour is worthy of all praise. So let us bow today, as we shall bow in that day in submission, obedience, and praise.

III. The tribulation saints are noted by one of the elders (vs. 13-16). John was asked if he knew about one group near the throne. John did not know who they were; therefore, he was told.

They are the saints that came out of the great tribulation period. They have been washed and made clean by the blood of the Lamb. As are result, they are clothed with the robe of white (which is dress of the saints, a robe of righteousness, vs. 13-14).

These martyrs are before the throne. They serve God day and night (indicating continually), while God is in the midst continually. Their trials and persecutions are over, and they are blessed forever more (vs. 15-16).

What a wonderful revelation! All the redeemed of all ages, from all nations, with all the angelic hosts shall be glorified and made to be companions with God the Father, and Christ the Son, by the power and workings of God the Holy Spirit.

There will be no sin or evil there. There will be no pain or sorrow there. There will be no disappointments and heartaches there. The hymn writer said, “What a Day That Will Be!”

“For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

Reader are you a member of that blessed number of saints who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb of God. If not, why not call upon the name of the Lord and be saved today. Get ready for that great day of worship in heavenly places.

Howard Tillery is the pastor of New Ochlocknee Baptist Church in Grady County. He lives in Cairo.