Revelation 5
Notes
Transcript
Revelation
Revelation
This week we are going to be talking about the lamb taking the scroll and how the lamb is worthy.
We need to remember as we go through this, that this was a vision that John had and he is conveying it to us in the way that he knew how. The last time we were together, we discussed what the throne room of heaven looked like. Now, we are going to be turning our attention to a scroll.
Verses 1-7
Verses 1-7
a. the first thing we see is there is a scroll or book in the right hand of the one who is sitting on the throne. It tells us that it is written on the back and the front, which was not unusual at the time. But what we do see on this scroll is that it is sealed with seven seals. It is thought that this is possibly the same scroll found from Daniel 12:4. This passage says “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” It is just cool to me to see how much is confirmed from the old testament to the new. So anyway, here we have this scroll that is sealed. We then see that there is no one who is worthy to open the scroll. At this point, the question is, what is on this scroll? When we study later we will see a scroll that contains the judgments and redemption that we see in later chapters. Perhaps this is what this scroll is. when we look at this, we again, see that it sealed with seven seals. I said at the beginning of this study that we are going to see the number seven a lot, and here it is again.
b. It is interesting to look at the wording here, because John said he saw a strong angel. We have never seen a weak angel, so perhaps in Johns thought, this angel may have looked stronger than the others, or his voice may have been stronger than the others, so appeared stronger. He calls out asking if anyone is able to open it. I would assume that he already knew that there was no one worthy in mankind. After all, man is flawed. They are sinful creatures. No one is able to open this scroll.
c. So John starts to weep because no one is able to open it. We don’t know exactly why John started to weep, but perhaps it is because he is disappointed that he won’t be able see what was written in the scroll. Perhaps he thought that he would be missing out on the revelation of God. Perhaps he thought that hope was lost. We do not know.
d. But he is consoled. One of the elders told him that the Lion of the tribe of Judah has prevailed to open the scroll. This is a quote from Genesis 49:8-10 and the Root of David is from Isaiah 11:1 and 10. But both of these are Messianic titles for Jesus. You will notice that John said that this elder said he prevailed. Prevailed from what? Well, this refers to the death and resurrection of Jesus on behalf of those who would be redeemed.
e. I love this verse. Verse 6. In the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out. This is such a wonderful way to show that this Lamb is none other than Jesus. If we remember Jesus was referred to as the sacrificial lamb that was led to the slaughter. A horn in biblical times was referred to as having power and of course the number 7 is representing perfection. The seven horns may denote the all-prevailing and infinite might of Jesus. He can support all his friends, he can destroy all his enemies and he can save the uttrmost that come to God through him. The seven eyes denote his infinite knowledge and wisdom, they can also denote his providence in which he often employs the ministry of angels; therefore, these are said toe be sent forth into all the earth.
f. The reception of the scroll from the father demonstrates that judgment and authority over the earth is committed to the son. The scroll is likelye the same one sealed by Daniel in Daniel 12:9.
Verses 8-14
Verses 8-14
a. This section of verses is such a wonderful image of what the worship is going to be like when all this takes place. It’s so cool to me to see when Jesus had taken the scroll that all this happened right away. There was no delay. Did you find it interesting that they had golden bowls full of incense that are the prayers of the saints? Where do you think that might have come from? Check out Psalm 141:2
Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense;
And the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Our prayers should be a good aroma to God.
b. we see that they started to sing a new song. This new song celebrates the redemptive work of the Son as the basis of His right to judge. Divine rule has its basis in creation and redemption.
I can’t help but think about this new song they are singing. I wonder if we needed a reminder just who Jesus is. He is worthy to take the scroll, to open its seals. He was slaughtered for our sins and through that he has redeemed us. There was no one that could not get the redemption. It will be available to all.
c. Perhaps it is because I am such a visual person, but I love verse 11. can you just picture the thousands of angels and these creatures and the elders saying this in one voice. They were in unity. The actual greek of this is myriads of myriads. Meaning an infinite or innumberable multitude. There were so many there that they could not be numbered. But it was with all one voice. And what a praise they did! Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom. It just gives me chills.
d. with verse 13, this could be a glimpse of what it meant when it says in Philippians 2:11 that every toungue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
But look at what they are saying “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne” This is such a wonderful glimpse to the end when every tongue confesses. I don’t know, it is just a very worshipful scene all the way to the end.