Book of Revelation: The Lamb and The Scroll
Scripture: Revelation 5:1-14
Date: 02062022
Bible Version: NKJV

The worship of God for his role in creation gives way to the worship of the Lamb for his work of redemption. —Robert Mounce

BOTTOM LINE:  Jesus is worthy of our praise and adoration

Vs. 1

I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll - John noticed a scroll in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

Written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals - John notices that this scroll was written on inside and on the back and was sealed with seven seals.  The seven seals represent the first in a series of judgments that will come on the earth.  We will also see seven trumpets and seven bowls.  These are all metaphorical depictions of God’s wrath.

Vs. 2

Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals - John notes that a strong angel asks who is worthy to not only open the scroll but also loose its seals.

Vs. 3

No one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll- They angel further declares that no one in heaven, on or under the earth was able to open the scroll.

The Best way to look at this is to see the scroll as God’s will.

Vs. 4

So I wept much, Because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it- If we recall from verse 2, the angel asks who is worthy,  not who is willing.  By all accounts it would appear that no one is able to open, read or look at this scroll.

There is no answer to the strong angel’s challenge because the creation is utterly incapable of deciding or effecting its own destiny. Someone above the order of creation must determine the course of history; only God can unfold this plan. —David Guzik

Vs. 5

But…- Even though it did not seem possible to John, God’s plan would not be limited.

The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals- Even when things looked dire, an elder turned to John with some good news.  Jesus was born of the house and lineage of David.  We can see this in the Gospel of Matthew.  Jesus, the Lion of Judah would be able to open the scroll and loose all seven seals.

Vs. 6

Behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain- John describes an incredible scene.  In the midst of the throne, and of the four living creatures, and the elders stood a lamb as though it had been slain. The Greek word that is used is arnion and it means ‘little lamb’.

seven horns - A horn would be a sign of power.  This would speak of perfect power (7 is the number of perfection) 

seven eyes - Perfect sight; a fullness of sight. 

seven spirits - Speaks of the fullness of God’s spirit. 

Vs. 7

He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne - Because Jesus was  qualified, he would come and take the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sits on the throne. 

Vs. 8

Fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, - The immediate response to Jesus taking this scroll was that the creatures and elders fell down before the lamb to worship. They each had a harp.  This leads us to believe that there will be music in heaven.

and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints- Our prayers are precious; they are represented as sweet smelling incense and in golden bowls.  Incense and prayer are connected for us in  Psalm 141:2.

Vs. 9-10

And they sang a new song…- As they began worshiping they sang a new song.

Key Components Of This Song:
1. There was a PRICE: ‘You were slain’
2. There was a PURPOSE: ‘Have redeemed us to God’
3. There was a COST: ‘by your blood’
4. There was an SCOPE: ‘every tribe and tongue and people and nation’
5. There was a RESULT: ‘made us kings and priest to our God’

Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation-  This would speak of the church.  The church is the only one who can be redeemed.

Vs. 11-12

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing- The angels song (vs. 12) does not offer praise for redemption so to the best we know angels are not redeemed but are observers of the redemption God offers all men.

Vs. 13-14

Every creature- This means everything.

Blessing and honor…Forever and ever- Because the slain Lamb has taken control of the scroll (the title deed to the earth) worship abounds.

We worship Jesus because He is THE way, not a way.

We need to remember that with man there will always be things that are impossible, but with Jesus, all things are possible.

3 Ways We Can Change Our Perspective In Our Day To Day Lives:
1. Praise the Lord for all things.
2. Praise the Lord with all things.
3. Praise the Lord by all means.