We have been reading through the New Testament for 30 weeks; and now there are just three days/chapters left. But it can be easy to “lose the forest for the trees” as we read, being so caught up with our questions about a specific verse or chapter that we lose sight of the "big picture.” So as the Bible crescendos again at the end of Revelation, it is a good time to reflect on the “meta-narrative,” to remind ourselves what we have read, and to re-answer the question, “Does God’s Word matter to me?” Or maybe the better question is, “Do I matter to God’s Word?” Let’s talk about it.

Revelation 19:1-10
19 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out,

“Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
2 for his judgments are true and just;
for he has judged the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her immorality,
and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
3 Once more they cried out,

“Hallelujah!
The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.”
4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” 5 And from the throne came a voice saying,

“Praise our God,
all you His servants,
you who fear him,
small and great.”
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure”—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Discipleship Conversation Questions:

For Adult Homes or Groups

1. Read Revelation 19:1-10.

2. Discuss a time in your life that felt like a prolonged season of suffering or grief. Whether positive or negative, how did you deal with your emotions in that season? Prayer, addiction, vulnerability with others, etc.

3. In retrospect, what were the things that moved you beyond that season, and what did you learn about God and yourself?

4. As we have read nearly all of the New Testament, including the first 19 chapters of Revelation, what are some of the large and small seasons of suffering about which we have read? As we begin to read about Christ’s return in Revelation 19, what are some of the things to which you look forward once we have moved past this “season of suffering?”

5. Identify one person (even if you don’t name them out loud) who you feel is in a season of deep grief or suffering. In some big or small way, make a plan to share with them why Christ’s return has given you hope and can give them
hope today.

For Families with Kids

1. Read Revelation 10:5-6 with your family.

2. Have everyone share one of their favorite worship songs. What do you like about that song? What does that song say about God?

3. Verse 5 says that all God’s servants should praise Him. What do you think it means to be God’s servant?

4. Sometimes, bad things happen in our world. Sometimes, life can be really hard! Yet, even then, God is good and He is worthy of our praise. What is something God has done that makes you want to praise Him?

5. Bonus activity: This week, be on the lookout for reasons to praise God. These reasons can be big or small, like a promotion at work or a really good sandwich. Tell your family about it, and be sure to say “Praise God!” out loud when you do.