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Lesson 14  Revelation 5

   
      In Revelation 5, we see the scene of heaven still unfolding before John. As he is looking through "…a door was opened in heaven (4:1)." With that statement, a question comes to mind. Are there other doors in heaven that are to be opened? After John looked at the overall scene, his eyes become focused on the right hand of Him that is on the throne. What he sees is not a book but a scroll that is written on the inside and on the backside. This scroll is sealed (very tightly) with seven (the number of completion) seals on it. Listen to what John is saying with his words. We have a tendency to read pass the words and the picture that is painted.

The throne is in the middle of the glass sea, the four living creatures, and the twenty-four elders. Who is the "He" who is sitting on the throne?

     John tells us that the scroll is in His right hand with the seven seals on it. The right hand is a place of power and importance. It is important to understand these little things so that the next three verses become clear. That which is in his hand is a very great secret and implies finality and privacy, and only a special type of person or creature is able to handle it. In addition, that person or creature must be able to open the seven signets. These seven seals or signets represent the perfect purpose of God for the world. So as these signets are perfect so is the will of God perfect in your life, if you will let His will work in you.

     In verses 2 - 4, John says he saw a strong (mighty, powerful, valiant) angel publishing who is suitable to open and break the signets on the scroll. This messenger is heard in heaven, earth, and hell. What kind of voice is able to penetrate the spiritual and physical world at the same time? God has created this messenger for this purpose just as He has created you (Romans 8:28, John 9:2-3). We are not told how long it was before John started to cry. In the entire physical and spiritual world, no one is found to open the scroll. Remember that the messenger told John that these things would come to be. In verse 3, something new is added to this scene, NO BODY is able to even look at the scroll. So there must be something very special about the one that can do all of this. This special one must be able to approach God in order to take it out of his right hand. To do that He has to be pure (holy) all the way through. Can you imagine at that moment what John was feeling? John was beginning to realize, that not one creature could look upon it or take it. Oh the pain that he must have felt that moment!

     Then "… one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed (overcome) to open the book, and loose the seven seals thereof." Let us look at this scripture a little closer. God knew that the day is coming when someone will have to open the book (Genesis 3:15). Therefore, He has put someone in that position before we will need them (John 17:24, Ephesians 1:4). God is allowing the elder to make sure John understands that His plan for mankind has been at work for a very long time - the Lion (Genesis 49:9) and the Root (Isaiah 11:1,10). God uses the teaching that John would have learned as a child to emphasize His plan. The elder says that He has overcome. What did the Lion of the tribe of Judah overcome?

     In verse 6, we can hear and feel the weeping turning into joy as he sees the Lamb stand in the midst of the twenty-four elders and four living creatures. John gives a very clear picture of this Lamb "…as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes…". "Slain" refers to what is done to animals for scarifices; The Lamb represents before and after the cross. Do not rush pass this picture of the Lamb (Jesus). Too many of us want to forget this scene. Why? This is our history in which Jesus takes on ours SINS and we do not like to think that this is part of our lives. Nevertheless, it is always before the Father.

What do the seven horns and seven eyes mean?

     The scene represents Christ as complete. The seven horns stand for power and the eyes for the wisdom and intelligence of Christ. Remember that seven symbolizes complete perfection. So, we have this perfect sacrifice with complete power and wisdom, and with the intelligence to use them. He was sent into all the earth, which, means that all you will ever need was sent to you. That which was sent is all-powerful with perfect wisdom and intelligence. Please take some time to think on what God sent unto us. Now, ask yourself, "Am I allowing Him to work through me and with me? If not, why?

Now read verse 7. What comes to your mind?

     The scene changes to one of worship and praise. It is not just lip service, but full praise and worship. They are playing harps and singing a new song unto Him Who sits on the throne and the Lamb. We are told that they also had bowls of incense, which contain the prayers of the saints. So just think about this, these are the prayers of the saints, who are killed for standing up for the Word of God. Moreover, their lives caused others who were living outside of God's Word, to be convicted. Some say that these bowls contain the prayers heard in Revelation 6:10. Closely examine the words, which are sung unto the Lamb.

     "Thou art worthy to take the book, and open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."

The elders understand what Jesus has done for them, so the praise rolls out of their mouths and harps. Do you understand what Jesus has done and is doing for you? Do you really understand?

Do you remember what John saw the first time the door of Heaven was opened to him?

     Now, read verse 11, what is new there? There are more than 100 million angels in the throne room.. How is it that John does not see them at first? God wanted John and us to see the most important thing first. With these great numbers of angels, there is no way he would have seen the Lamb, the four living creatures, twenty-four elders and crowns. If this is the throne room and it can handle these great numbers, how big is heaven? Picture all of these voices singing. Again we are told that the singing is heard in the spiritual and physical world. Read verses 12 - 13 for the song that they sing. At that point, the four living creatures said AMEN and the twenty-four elders fell down to worship Him Who has no end.