HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS

November 15, 2012

HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS

Revelation 5

Antoinette Davis

Central Truth

God is in control. In this picture of heaven, God sits on His throne with a scroll holding the plan for eternity in His hand. What a wonderful reminder that no matter what is going on in our lives or around us, God is large and in charge.

I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. (Revelation 5:1)

The Scroll and the Lamb

1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, 4 and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5 And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
    and they shall reign on the earth.”

11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”

13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

I remember singing "He's got the whole world in His hands" at Brownie meetings when I was a girl. The picture for me was of a loving old man sitting with a globe in His hands. But is God really in control and does He really care about me? I question that – especially in the midst of trials and difficulties. I doubt. I fret. I try to fix things myself rather than seek counsel, read Scripture, pray, and -- here comes the hardest part -- wait. Should I doubt that God is really in control? Not according to the Apostle John's account of heaven!

In Revelation 5, God sits on His heavenly throne holding a sealed scroll containing His plan of redemption; His plan to right all wrongs and to implement justice. The plan for the world is in His hands. What a beautiful picture for us! It really is that simple – God is in control, and He has a plan. For us to follow that plan requires reading the Bible day by day to replace our worldly thoughts with His way of thinking about life. "So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17) We must depend on daily time with God to transform our ideas, attitudes, and nature to His ways. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)

God has already given us the promise of a future with Him. That's His ultimate plan for the believer! "This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life." (1 John 2:25) Today, let's offer thanks and praise to God that He is in charge.

1. Who's in control in your life?

2. What have been the results? Were you fulfilled? Were you disappointed?   

3. In what ways can you better listen and learn God's will for your life?

4. How can your community of friends spur you on to be faithful in seeking God's will?

WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY

November 12-16 (Revelation 2-6)

Parents: Go to the following link (http://wmcc.jointhejourney.com/page_/3913). Print the chart titled "The Role of the Church." Read over it and make sure that you have a good grasp on it. Then create a blank chart to read through Revelation 2-3 with your kids and fill in the chart together. It might be fun to read the passages addressed to the different churches from two versions of the Bible to see the differences.

While you are reading, talk about the different ways the churches were affirmed and how those traits might look in our lives today. Then, talk about what they were not doing well and how those things might be seen in our lives today. In the end, talk about what the charges were to the churches and how we at Watermark are doing in living out the exhortation to follow God wholeheartedly. What could we be doing better?

Take time to pray for the leaders at Watermark, including your small group leaders. Pray, too, for the Church around the world to be strong in following Jesus and for our government to be men and women who fear the Lord.