Revelation Friday Night Bible Study 18JUL25 (Revelation 4:6-7)

  

Four Living Creatures

“Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle” (Revelation 4:6-7).

 

John described what looked to him like a sea of glass in front of God’s throne. In Moses’ time, the priests were to have a basin made of bronze or glass to wash with before entering the sanctuary. The Bible says: “They made the bronze basin and its bronze stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting” (Exodus 38:8). No one was to come into God’s sanctuary in any careless manner. This sea of glass, as described by John, takes on the same meaning as there must be a purity before going before the throne of our Holy God and entering His presence.

The four living creatures that John saw are also similar to the description given by the Prophet Ezekiel during his vision. The Bible says: “Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a human being, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle. Such were their faces. They each had two wings spreading out upward, each wing touching that of the creature on either side; and each had two other wings covering its body” (Ezekiel 1:10-11). These creatures represent Jesus in all His completeness. Let’s examine each characteristic that each one possesses and explore its meaning.

 Face of a Lion

 The lion is called the “king of the jungle.” He is known for his beautiful features and strength. A lion has very good eyesight and can hear its prey up to a mile away. He represents great power and authority over all beasts. Jesus came to earth and overcame the world. He was given all authority and power from God the Father. When Jesus first came to earth, He came as a humble Lamb. Upon His return, He will come as the Lion of Judah. The Bible says: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

 

The Face of an Ox

 

The ox is an animal that has been used over the centuries to help the farmer to produce crops. The ox takes the form of a service animal to do the will of its master. Male oxen are often castrated to make them easier to control. They are sometimes yoked in pairs to do larger jobs. Jesus became like an ox when he was sent to earth to do the will of the Father. He was subservient to Him even unto death displaying the kind of dedication that we all are to have unto God. On the cross, He felt cut off from God and yet submitted to the will of the Father. The Bible says: “Who, being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8).

 

 

Face of a Human Being

 

Adam was the first man on earth that God created.

God wanted to be in a special relationship with His children, whom He adored. Unfortunately, the devil successfully tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, where she and Adam had been forbidden to eat from just one tree. This act of disobedience caused the whole human race to suffer. However, due to the fall of man, God devised a plan of Salvation for the whole human race. That plan consisted of sending His son, Jesus, to come to earth in human form in order to save mankind from sin. He would leave his Heavenly place and be planted inside of a young maiden name Mary, who would be the earthly mother to the Savior of the World. The Bible says: “The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35).

 

 

Face of an Eagle

 

The eagle is a fearless animal, just like the lion. Eagles have great vision and are very persistent. They never give up but rise above their challenges. They are not scavengers, so they only eat what they catch. Eagles are very attentive to their young and are known for their swiftness. Just as the eagle, Jesus is fearless in his pursuit of His children. He never leaves us to fend for ourselves but is there to guild us every step of the way. He helps us to rise above the challenges of life and gives us fresh manna, which is His Holy Word. He sees all for His eyes scans the earth both day and night, and all power is in His hands. The Bible says: “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross (Colossians 1:15-20).

 

HOMEWORK: WE WANT TO GET TO KNOW YOU. We are one body in Christ, thus one family. Therefore, it is important to get to know our fellow brothers and sisters. So, for next week's homework assignment, please give us some information that you would not mind sharing with the rest of the Bible group. Here are a few suggestions to get your started.

1. What is your name, or what nick name do you prefer?

2. Are you single, married, have children, etc.?

3. Do you have pets, a hobby, career, or other?

4. What do you like to do for fun?

5. What is a talent or gift that God has blessed you with?

6. What is your favorite food?

7. What do you like to do for the holidays?

8. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

9. What is your favorite type of music and/or musical artist?

10. Feel free to share anything that you feel comfortable with telling the rest of the group.