The book of Revelations is like peeking through heaven’s keyhole on the greatest events coming, and I pray we’re able to convey the significance of all that we see on display before us!
I’m especially excited to have the chance to write about one of my favorite chapters! In both chapters 4 and 5, we’re given a glimpse of a scene that will take place in heaven before God pours out His judgments on the earth (Rev 6-18). In chapter 4 we were able to experience the worship of God the Father, and now in chapter 5, we’ll experience the worship of Jesus Christ.
First: John reminds us that God is in control:
I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” -Rev 5:1-2
Chapter 4 began by drawing our attention to the throne; chapter 5 begins by drawing our attention to a scroll in God’s right hand. Can you think of a better way to illustrate God’s sovereignty over all than by this picture of the scroll resting in His RIGHT hand? For His right hand has always been a symbol of His authority. Someone, probably God Himself, has sealed it with seven seals, which conveys the perfect number of seals (“seven”) and also hints at the absolute sacredness of this scroll. But there’s a problem;
“And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it;” - Rev 5:3-4
There’s been a search of all heaven and earth and no one was found worthy to open the scroll, which crushes John’s resolve, for he becomes overwhelmed to the point of weeping uncontrollably. Does John believe that the wrongs of earth would not be dealt with? Did he fear that the righteous will never be vindicated and that the wicked will go unpunished? John seems to understand at this moment that if God’s purposes fail, then all of life is meaningless.
Which is the sad truth for all of us, for without Christ there will be only weeping. But;
“...one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”
Second: All's NOT lost! There’s hope! Jesus will carry out God’s final purposes!
John turns to look expecting to see the, “Lion that is from the tribe of Judah” (the king of all the beasts; strong and powerful), But he sees something completely opposite: John looks and sees, “between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth ” (Rev 5:6). There are four things we need to understand in 5:6.
John sees;
John sees;
- A Lamb (the meekest of animals) which is the symbol of Jesus Christ at His first coming, meek and submissive, the sacrificial substitute for us (Isa 53:7; John 1:36; 21:15). The Lion is a symbol of Jesus at His second coming, powerfully judging the world in righteousness. John sees the Lamb, now in the center of all the creatures and elders gathered around the throne, as the central character.
- A Lamb that had been slain. The word “slain” means “to cut up and mutilate as in animal sacrifices”. It describes for us the brutal crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ and all He suffered on our behalf.
- A Lamb that is standing. The slain Lamb, Who was violently slaughtered and put to death that is now actually standing! Symbolizing that He has overcome the power of sin and death! Once killed, He is now standing in the innermost circle next to the throne of God.
- A Lamb Who is awesome in power with His seven horns and seven eyes. The number seven represents the fullness of Christ’s power in defeating His foes. The horns are a biblical symbol for power and authority.
Third: Jesus Christ is worthy of overwhelming praise!
“And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.’ Here we see Jesus Christ, the Lion-Lamb, boldly approaching the throne of God. (5:7). We see His sovereignty on display as He and only He is able to take the scroll out of the Father’s right hand! He is the only One who is worthy! This very act symbolizes the transfer of authority from the Father to the Son. And once He does all present break out in a new song... “ When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
“You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” - Rev 5:7-10 (Selah- pause & meditate on this)
May I also add a personal thought here?... If Jesus Christ is the only One found worthy to take the scroll out of the right hand of The Father, surely He is powerful enough to take care of anything your still clinging on to; any fears, doubts, discouragements, etc. Is there anything you still have not given over to Jesus' care? Perhaps loved ones, your job, finances...? Why not release these to Him today? There's not a better time or chapter in all the Bible!
There is much more I could share, but I think it’s significant to close like the, “four living creatures saying, “Amen.” And the elders falling down and worshiping.” He alone is worthy! He is the “Lamb that was slain” for us, now standing before the Father. The only one worthy to take the scroll from The Father’s hand! O come let us adore Him, let us bow down before Him...