Revelation – Lesson 10

 

Revelation 5 – The Scroll and the Lamb

In this chapter we see the scroll with 7 seals that no one could open until the Lion of Judah, the Lamb came and was worthy to open them.  The four living creatures and the elders sang in a loud voice.  “Worthy is the lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” – Rev. 5:12.   

John saw a scroll with writings on both sides and sealed with 7 seals.  The writing on both sides means it is complete with nothing left out and there is nothing to be added to it.  A strong angel (some translations say a mighty angel) said no one was worthy to open the scroll.  These strong angels are mentioned 3 times in Revelation.  These angels are not identified; they are special and proclaim God’s revelation.  God could not open it, because He had given the right to Jesus due to His sacrifice and perfect righteousness, making Him the only one qualified to reveal the mysteries contained within the sealed book.  Jesus was the only one who satisfied the justice of God.

John reacted by weeping and weeping, because he seemed to know the importance of this scroll.  John felt hopeless, but God never leaves us hopeless.  Then an elder told John to stop weeping, because the Lion of Judah, the Root of David has overcome and He could open it.  That was Jesus, the Messiah who was foretold in Genesis 49:9-10 and Samuel 7:8-16 and others books in the Old Testament.  Only Jesus, David’s rightful descendant and heir to the throne of Israel was entitled to open the scroll.  He had achieved the victory over sin and gained the right to open the scroll and loose its seven seals.  Only He had the moral authority.

Then John saw a Lamb standing there as if slain meaning He was slain, but now is alive.  He had 7 horns and 7 eyes, which are the 7 Spirits of God.  The Horns indicate great power.  The eyes show He knows everything and nothing is hidden from Him.  The 7 Spirits show His completeness, the Trinity.  The Lamb was slain as a sacrifice for our sins.

The Lamb took the scroll from the One sitting on the throne who is God.  The Lamb is worthy of worship.  This Lamb is Jesus. 

The creatures and elders responded by falling down and worshiping the Lamb.  They had with them harps and golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.  Then they sang a new song, “You are worthy, to take the scroll and open its seals, because you were slain and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.  You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” – Rev. 5:9-10. 

He was the only one worthy to open the scroll and the song tells just why He was worthy:

He is the Lamb who had been slain. 

He died on a cross for the sins of us all. 

Now He lives.

His death provides a ransom for His people. 

He bought us freedom from the power of sin.

He makes His people into a kingdom and priests who serve God here on earth.

Then John saw thousands and thousands of angels around the throne and together with the creatures and elders they sang a song of praise.  “Worthy is the lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” – Rev. 5:12.  You will notice in this verse there are 7 qualities indicating perfection.  Then every creature in heaven and on earth sang, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” – Rev. 5:13.

Wow!  You see a lot of worshiping going on and if anyone deserves it, it is Jesus.  All I can say is WOW!

Principle:  The Lamb Jesus is worthy of our praise and worship.

Join me next week as we continue our study.  --- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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