This lesson teaches children that God is holy, powerful and worthy of all our praise, even when we do not understand everything about what He is doing. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, Bible reading and activity.
Big Idea
God is holy and good, and everyone who belongs to Him can sing His praise. He always does what is right and true, and that is worth celebrating.
Memory Verse
Revelation 15:4
Who wouldn’t fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? For you only are holy. For all the nations will come and worship before you. For your righteous acts have been revealed.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to stand tall with their arms stretched wide at the words “Lord,” then place both hands over their hearts for “holy.” Let them practice slowly, then faster, until they can say it with the motions every time.
The Story: Revelation 15 for Kids
The apostle John was given a vision of heaven. He saw something amazing in the sky: seven angels, each holding one of the last plagues. These were the final judgments that showed how God would bring His plan to completion.
Before the angels came out, John saw a sea of glass that looked like it was mixed with fire. Standing beside it were people who had stayed faithful to God, even when the world pushed them to follow the beast instead. They were holding harps that God had given them, and they were singing.
They sang a song of Moses, God’s servant, and a song of the Lamb, who is Jesus. Their song said that God’s works are great and wonderful. One of them called out, “Lord God, who could fail to honor you?” It was a song of praise for God’s holiness and His right ways.
Then the temple in heaven opened. The seven angels came out, dressed in clean, shining linen with gold sashes around their chests. One of the living creatures handed each of them a golden bowl full of God’s wrath.
Smoke filled the temple because of the glory and power of God. No one could go inside until the seven plagues were finished. The people in heaven were reminded that God is mighty and holy, and that He keeps His promises.
Read It Together
Revelation 15:3
They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty! Righteous and true are your ways, you King of the nations.
(WEB)
Point out that the people singing are praising God for His works and His ways. Ask the children what kinds of things God does that are great and wonderful, and help them name a few from their own lives.
Revelation 15:2
I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.
(WEB)
Show the children the picture of the sea of glass and the harps. Explain that these people stayed faithful to God, and that trusting Him is always worth it, even when it is hard.
Revelation 15:8
The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power. No one was able to enter into the temple, until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished.
(WEB)
Point out the smoke and the glory of God filling the temple. Explain that God is so holy and powerful that His presence is shown as something bright and awesome, and that we can trust Him completely.
Talk About It
- What do you think it would feel like to stand beside a sea of glass and sing to God?
- Why do you think the people in the story wanted to sing about God’s works?
- What is one thing about God that makes you want to praise Him?
- How can we stay faithful to God when it is hard to do the right thing?
- What are some ways we can show God that we think He is holy and wonderful this week?
Activity Ideas
Glowing Sea of Glass Picture
You will need blue and white paper, crayons, glue, and a little glitter or yellow and orange tissue paper. Have each child draw a wavy sea, then glue small pieces of tissue paper along the edge to look like fire. Let them add a few tiny harps or stick figures singing, then sprinkle glitter on top so the picture shines.
Angels With Bowls Movement Game
Set up a few paper cups or plastic bowls around the room. Call out “Seven angels!” and have the children walk around like the angels carrying the bowls carefully. When you say “Praise the Lord!” they should stop, raise their arms and say the memory verse together.
Take-Home Praise Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw one thing they think is great about God. Have them tape the card to their bedroom door or refrigerator so the family can see it and praise God together during the week.
Teacher Notes
This chapter presents God as holy, just and worthy of worship, in the middle of a vision of final judgment. For adults, the passage invites trust that God’s ways are right and true, and that the faithful will sing His praise, even when they cannot see the whole picture.
Avoid turning the plagues and bowls into a frightening story that focuses on punishment for children. Keep the emphasis on God’s holiness, His faithfulness to His people, and the joy of praising Him.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank You that You are holy and powerful. Help us to trust You even when we do not understand everything. Teach us to praise You every day for Your great and wonderful works. Amen.
