Lesson 10: Upon Whom the Ends Have Come

10.1 The Wrath of the Lamb
When the Lamb is Angry – The Final Hour of Grace

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Introduction

There are moments in life when we sense that we’re approaching a decisive crossroads – an invisible line separating the present from the eternal. The Bible speaks of such a moment in Revelation 6:12–17: the day of the wrath of the Lamb. A scene of great upheaval, cosmic signs, and a humanity that hides in fear – not because they are ignorant, but because they have consciously rejected the truth.

This lesson invites us to reflect on how we live, what we believe – and whom we follow. Because we are those “upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” And what we recognize from God’s Word will determine whether we look up with peace in our hearts at Jesus’ return – or whether, like many in Revelation 6, we will seek to hide from the face of the Lamb.

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Bible Study – Revelation 6:12–17 & Matthew 24:36–44

I. Context and Background

1. What does “the wrath of the Lamb” mean?
The Lamb is a consistent symbol of Christ (see John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:19). It represents gentleness, purity, and willingness to sacrifice.

But here we find a paradox: “the wrath of the Lamb” (Rev. 6:16). How can a lamb be angry?

This image shows us: Jesus is not only the Savior, but also the Judge. The grace that is rejected becomes judgment. His rejection by the world inevitably leads to a confrontation with His holiness and justice.

2. The sequence in Revelation 6
In the first five seals (Rev. 6:1–11), we see the history of the church from its early days to the end times.

In the sixth seal (vv. 12–17), we find cosmic signs: earthquakes, darkened sun, blood moon, falling stars, people fleeing.

These events closely resemble the return of Christ, as also described in Matthew 24.

II. Verse-by-Verse Analysis (Revelation 6:12–17)

Verses 12–13: Cosmic Signs

“A great earthquake, the sun became black as sackcloth, the whole moon like blood, and the stars of heaven fell…”

These signs are also mentioned in Joel 2:31 / Matthew 24:29 / Luke 21:25.

Historically, many believe these were fulfilled:

• 1755: Great Lisbon Earthquake

• 1780: Dark Day in New England (sun darkened)

• 1833: Meteor storm in North America

Verses 14–16: Humanity’s Reaction

“…they hid in the caves and among the rocks… and said: Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne…”

People are not fleeing from natural disasters – they are fleeing from God.

They know who is coming – the Lamb they once knew but rejected.

The great tragedy: They knew the gospel but didn’t live by it.

Verse 17: Humanity’s Question

“…for the great day of His wrath has come – and who is able to stand?”

This rhetorical question is answered in Revelation 7: God’s sealed people – those washed in the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:14).

III. Jesus and the Days of Noah (Matthew 24:36–44)

Jesus compares His return to the days of Noah:

Verses 38–39: People continued living as usual – eating, drinking, marrying – and didn’t realize until the flood came.

Verses 42–44: Jesus urges us to stay alert, for He will come at an hour we do not expect.

Important: It’s not knowledge that saves, but the readiness of the heart.

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Answers to the Questions

 Question 1: What stands out to you about the reaction of people in Revelation 6:12–17?

The people clearly understand what’s happening. They call Jesus “the Lamb” – a term deeply rooted in the gospel message. They know they are facing “the day of His wrath.” So it’s not ignorance, but rejection. Their fear comes from realizing they knew the truth but rejected it. They consciously chose the world over the Lamb – and now, in the decisive moment, they realize there’s no escape.
This passage shows us: knowledge alone doesn’t save – only a living decision for Jesus does.

Question 2: What conclusions does Jesus want us to draw from the story of Noah?

Jesus shows that God’s judgment never comes without warning. Noah preached for 120 years, yet people remained indifferent. They lived as if nothing would ever happen. The danger wasn’t ignorance, but indifference.
The same is true today. We know about Christ’s coming, the gospel, the signs of the times – but are we spiritually awake? Are we prepared? Or do we keep postponing things for “later”?
Jesus warns us: His return will come unexpectedly for those who live unwatchful lives. They won’t be surprised by ignorance – but by deliberate misplaced priorities.

Question 3: How does the perspective of sudden death help us deal with the “delay”?

The Bible makes it clear: from the moment of death to the resurrection, there is no awareness of passing time. The one who dies today experiences Christ’s return as their very next conscious moment. For them, there is no “delay.”
This perspective helps us not to treat Jesus’ return as a distant reality. Life is short. Every breath could be our last. Whoever lives in Christ lives in constant expectation – always ready.
The “delay” is not an excuse – it’s an opportunity to repent and prepare.

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Spiritual Principles

• Divine warnings are expressions of love: God announces judgment to save.

• Grace is available – but not endless: The door of the ark closed before the rain fell.

• Knowledge of the gospel is not enough: It’s about faith, repentance, and obedience.

• Jesus’ return is certain – and for each of us, it may come as suddenly as death.

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Application for Daily Life

• Live every day as if Jesus were coming today – not out of fear, but out of love.

• Don’t ignore the voice of the Holy Spirit calling you to turn back.

• Let your life be a testimony: through kindness, faithfulness, and practical love.

• Talk about your faith – not fanatically, but honestly and humbly.

• Take your time with God seriously – Bible, prayer, silence. Daily fellowship with Jesus will transform your heart.

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Conclusion

The people in Revelation 6 knew what was happening – but they realized it too late. Jesus was to them a known, but rejected Lamb. It was the same in Noah’s day: many heard, but few believed.
Today, we live in the time of grace – between warning and judgment. Every day is God’s call: “Come into My ark!”

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Thought of the Day

“The problem isn’t the day of Jesus’ return – but whether my heart is already living with Christ today.”

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Illustration – “The Last Morning”

The alarm buzzed softly on the nightstand. It was 6:00 a.m., Monday, October 21. Thomas reached for his smartphone, groaned at the notifications, and turned it off. Outside, it was pouring rain – the sky looked like poured-out ash. He got up, brewed coffee, and scrolled through the news. More wars. Political escalation. Another natural disaster. A volcano had erupted in Iceland, and an earthquake had destroyed a hospital in California.

None of it truly touched him. Thomas was 32, a successful engineer at a tech firm in Berlin – rational, grounded – and inwardly empty. His mother had been a believer, a simple woman with deep love for Jesus. She had died four years earlier. As a child, he had prayed with her, listened to Bible stories, sung in church. But that was long gone. Now he believed only in science, calculation, and efficiency.

On the way to work, he heard a radio segment: “Christian groups claim we are living at the end of time. A preacher read from Revelation: ‘And the sky receded like a scroll…’” Thomas scoffed. “Fearmongering,” he muttered.

At noon, the sky suddenly darkened. No storm – it was as if someone had turned off the light. Colleagues gathered at the window. Cars stopped. People stared upward in confusion. Then came the light.

It wasn’t blinding, but something that went through everything – concrete, glass, skin. Something that struck the heart. Thomas’s breath caught. In a second, he knew this wasn’t weather. It was… an arrival. No sirens, no sound. Just silence. And then… the earth shook.

Not like a normal quake. It was as if everything around him pulled back. The air vibrated, the sky split – not like clouds parting, but really torn. Like a curtain ripped open.

People started screaming. Some ran, others stood frozen. Thomas felt exposed. He knew this was the moment his mother had talked about. She had wept, begging him to return to Jesus.
“He’s coming, Tom. He won’t come back as a baby – He’s coming as King. You need to be ready.”

He had smiled back then. Now, he couldn’t even think of a smile.

A figure appeared in the sky – not blurry, not vague, but unmistakable. Majestic, clothed in light. And yet it wasn’t the flashes or fire that terrified him – it was the gaze. That gaze full of truth, purity… and sorrow.

Thomas knew: It was the Lamb. The Lamb who had been sacrificed. The Lamb whose love he had known – and rejected.

People cried out: “Mountains, fall on us!” He heard the sentence he had once mocked, now screamed in panic by thousands: “Hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!”

Suddenly there was silence within him. No urge to run. No excuses. Only the awful realization: He knew – and had chosen to look away.

Then he heard a voice. Not loud, but penetrating.

“Thomas. I called you. I gave you signs. I loved you – to the end.”

Tears flooded his eyes. Not from fear – but from sorrow. Why had he been so proud? Why had he dismissed it all as myth? The years, his mother’s talks, the dreams, the nights his heart had warned him – all now roared back like suppressed memories too loud to ignore.

In one last moment, he lifted his eyes. Not to flee – but to confess.

“Jesus… You really are the Lamb. I knew You. And I rejected You.”

He fell to his knees. Around him were only chaos and screams. But inside, there was a strange peace. He knew it was too late – and yet he prayed.

Not to survive. But because his soul could no longer run.

And as the heavens fully opened, all he could think of was her voice. Her last message on the old answering machine:
“Tom, if you ever feel the moment that you need Him – don’t run. He loves you more than you could ever imagine.”

And now?

This story doesn’t end with explosions or salvation – but with an open look into your heart.
What will you do when the heavens open?

Jesus doesn’t ask for perfection. But He asks for your decision.
Now.

There is still time.
The Lamb is still speaking.
Soon, the Lion comes.

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:15)

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-upon-whom-the-ends-have-come-10-1-the-wrath-of-the-lamb-allusions-images-symbols-living-faith/

June 1, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Genesis 46 – Jacob’s Journey to Egypt – God’s Guidance Through Generations

God goes with us – even when the path is unknown

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Bible Text – Genesis 46 (KJV)

¹ And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac.

² And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.

³ And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

⁴ I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.

⁵ And Jacob rose up from Beersheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him.

⁶ And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him:

⁷ His sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters, and all his seed brought he with him into Egypt.

⁸ And these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn.

⁹ And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi.

¹⁰ And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman.

¹¹ And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

¹² And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zarah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.

¹³ And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron.

¹⁴ And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.

¹⁵ These be the sons of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob in Padanaram, with his daughter Dinah: all the souls of his sons and his daughters were thirty and three.

¹⁶ And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.

¹⁷ And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel.

¹⁸ These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter, and these she bare unto Jacob, even sixteen souls.

¹⁹ The sons of Rachel Jacob’s wife; Joseph, and Benjamin.

²⁰ And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.

²¹ And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.

²² These are the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob: all the souls were fourteen.

²³ And the sons of Dan; Hushim.

²⁴ And the sons of Naphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem.

²⁵ These are the sons of Bilhah, which Laban gave unto Rachel his daughter, and she bare these unto Jacob: all the souls were seven.

²⁶ All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his loins, besides Jacob’s sons’ wives, all the souls were threescore and six;

²⁷ And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten.

²⁸ And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.

²⁹ And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.

³⁰ And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.

³¹ And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father’s house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father’s house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;

³² And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.

³³ And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?

³⁴ That ye shall say, Thy servants’ trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.

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Introduction

The story in Genesis 46 is not just a travel account of a large family, but a significant turning point in the history of salvation. Jacob, the patriarch, sets out in old age with his entire family to Egypt—a journey full of hope, emotion, but also uncertainty. What accompanies him is the promise of God: “Do not be afraid, for I will make you a great nation there.”

This promise changes everything. A step into the unknown becomes a step of faith. The journey to Egypt becomes a symbol of our own lives with God—guided, accompanied, and sustained by His promise.

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Commentary

1. God’s Promise at Night (vv. 1–4)
Before Jacob moves to Egypt, God meets him in a night vision. He calls him by name: “Jacob, Jacob!”—a sign of closeness and affection. God repeats the promise given to Abraham and Isaac: that He would make Jacob’s descendants a great nation. God assures Jacob of His presence and guidance, and even promises comfort in his final moments—Joseph will close his eyes.

2. A Journey in Trust (vv. 5–7)
Jacob does not go alone. His whole family—70 persons—follows him, a sign of God’s blessing. The wagons from Pharaoh show that God can use even worldly powers to fulfill His purposes. The journey is not only geographical but spiritual: Jacob follows God’s call, just as Abraham once did.

3. The Family Record (vv. 8–27)
This long list of names is a testimony to God’s faithfulness. Each name represents a life under God’s protection. Even the women and children are listed—they too are part of the promise. The number 70 symbolizes wholeness and completeness.

4. The Reunion with Joseph (vv. 28–30)
One of the most emotional scenes in the Bible: Joseph embraces his father and weeps. After years of pain and separation, the family is restored. Jacob’s words, “Now I can die, having seen your face,” express deep gratitude and fulfillment.

5. Joseph’s Wisdom and Foresight (vv. 31–34)
Joseph prepares his family for their meeting with Pharaoh. Knowing that Egyptians despise shepherds, he ensures they will settle in Goshen—a fertile land, separate from Egyptian society. This preserves their identity and protects them from assimilation. It shows how God uses wise leaders to protect His people.

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Summary

Genesis 46 tells how Jacob, encouraged by God’s voice, moves with his family to Egypt. It is a journey of faith and surrender to divine guidance. The list of names reflects God’s care for each individual. The reunion of Jacob and Joseph marks the restoration of broken family bonds. Joseph’s strategic thinking shows how divine wisdom works through human actions.

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Message for Today

We too often face decisions that lead us into the unknown—whether in work, family, or faith. God’s promise to Jacob applies to us as well: “Do not be afraid, I am with you.” He walks with us, even when we don’t know what lies ahead.

Let us remember: Our security lies not in our own plans, but in God’s leadership. He sees farther than we do—and when we trust Him, even foreign lands become places of blessing.

God knows each of us by name—just like the names listed in the Bible. You are part of His great plan. No matter how small or forgotten you may feel, your name is written in His book.

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June 1 – 7, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 8

After the Flood

Read online here

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Introduction

The flood was over. The waters receded, and the ark came to rest. But life after the flood was not simply a continuation—it was a complete new beginning. In Chapter 8 of Patriarchs and Prophets, we read how God not only saves but also leads, protects, and grants new promises. Noah, the faithful preacher of righteousness, stands as a shining example of obedience, gratitude, and trust—even in times of deep uncertainty. The world that awaited him was no longer the same—but God had not changed: faithful, powerful, and full of grace.

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Commentary

1. Faith in the Test (The Months in the Ark)
The five months spent in the ark were a hard trial of patience. Without knowing when the waters would recede, Noah remained steadfast. He did not doubt God’s leading. Faith carried him and his family through the darkness.
Lesson: True trust is shown in the silence of waiting. God’s hand guides even when we cannot see it.

2. The Ordered Return (The Birds and Patience)
Noah sent out the raven and the dove in search of a sign. But he did not act impatiently—he left the ark only when God explicitly commanded him.
Lesson: Even when we see signs, our decisions must be guided by God’s word, not by circumstances alone.

3. The First Altar (Gratitude and Sacrifice)
Before he built a home for himself, Noah built an altar for God. He offered clean animals—an expression of his faith in the coming sacrifice of Christ.
Lesson: True gratitude first honors the One who gave everything—even when our own resources are scarce.

4. God’s Response: The New Covenant
God smelled the “pleasing aroma” of the sacrifice and declared a new covenant: there would be no more global flood. The rainbow became the sign of this covenant.
Lesson: God uses visible signs to assure us of His invisible faithfulness. His promises are for all generations.

5. A Changed Earth, A Changed Lifestyle
The earth was completely altered—landscape and ecosystem. God permitted the eating of meat as an adaptation to the new reality.
Lesson: God’s care and instructions adapt to human situations, but His moral will remains unchanged.

6. Hidden Treasures and Judgment
The flood buried not only bodies but also human pride, wealth, and idolatry. From this came coal, oil, and ore—evidence of God’s judgment but also of His mercy.
Lesson: What man abused, God transformed into a testimony of His power and justice.

7. Future Judgments: Fire Instead of Water
As water once cleansed the earth, so fire will purify it at the end. Volcanoes, earthquakes, and disasters are forerunners of Christ’s return.
Lesson: God’s warnings are not meant to frighten but to call us to repentance—His grace protects His people.

8. God’s Protection for His Own
Just as Noah was safe in the ark, God’s people will be protected by His power at the end. Psalm 91 becomes a personal promise amid chaos.
Lesson: The safe place is not geographical, but spiritual—under God’s wings.

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Summary

After the flood, Noah stepped into a radically changed world. But in the midst of death and destruction, his heart remained focused on God. His obedience, gratitude, and faith make him a model for all generations. And God responded with grace, promise, and protection. The rainbow stretching across the sky and throne remains the eternal sign: God’s covenant stands. And though future judgments will come, He will preserve those who trust in Him.

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Message for Us Today

In a world again marked by uncertainty, disasters, and moral decay, God calls us to live like Noah: with faith, obedience, and gratitude. When all that we know is shaken, we can rest assured:

God’s hand is still at the helm.
His covenant still stands. The rainbow in the sky is more than a natural phenomenon—it is a testimony of His faithfulness. And just as Noah was preserved in the midst of judgment, so we too can know:

The righteous are safe—not because they are strong, but because they trust in God.

So then, let us build altars of gratitude before we build houses. Let us give before we take. Let us believe before we see.
For the Lord, your Redeemer, says:
“My kindness shall not depart from you.” (Isaiah 54:10)

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/1-06-2025-genesis-chapter-46-believe-his-prophets/