October 27, 2014
JESUS IS WORTH TALKING ABOUT!
Revelation 6:9–17
Phillip Spaulding
Central Truth
Jesus has done great things, and these things are worth talking about.
Key Verse | Revelation 6:9
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. (Revelation 6:9)
Revelation 6:9–17
9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers 1 6:11 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.
12 When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, 13 and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. 14 The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15 Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave 2 6:15 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, 16 calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”
Dive Deeper | Revelation 6:9–17
Sometimes, I wonder if my life would be any different if Jesus weren't in it. Sure, I don't say certain words that would be considered foul, but do I say anything different from someone who doesn't have a relationship with Jesus? I want to say, "Yes! Look at the addictions Jesus has brought me out of and the sin cycles of my parents He freed me from! He is the reason I have purpose and joy in my life! He has been faithful in so many ways!" But are those words I find worthy of being said?
When reading this passage, I am humbled by the title given to the people being spoken of -- "[T]hose who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne" (verse 9). Slain, killed, persecuted because of their witness. These people suffered because of the things they said. Because trusting in Jesus changed their lives, they believed Jesus was worth talking about.
I read these verses, and I have to ask myself, "Do I believe Jesus is worth talking about?"
My heart screams yes, but my actions and my words tell a different story. Don't get me wrong, put me in a church small group or Bible study, and I can hardly stop talking. But outside of the church walls, my lips rarely utter the name of Jesus to those around me. Just like Paul, we are God's chosen instrument "to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:15). I read this verse, and I am reminded that Jesus is worth talking about.
Jesus has been so good to me, and my relationship with Him has changed my life. The people who were killed because they talked about their relationship with Jesus had to speak with courage. I may not be killed for talking about Jesus, but I want to speak with courage!
With this courage, I pray I will be aware of my opportunities today and that I will decide Jesus is worth talking about.
Discussion Questions
1. What are some ways your life is awesome because of your relationship with Jesus?
2. When is the last time you have told someone else about what God has done in your life?
3. Are you praying for opportunities and courage to share about what Jesus has done?
4. Think through your day ahead. Is there someone you will interact with today (a friend, co-worker, waiter, cashier, etc.) whom you can share with?