Revelation - Week 11

Day 1

The Scroll

READ

Revelation 5:1-3

1 Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll, and it was sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it.

In those days the writing was done on a scroll, not a book as we are familiar with today. And when the scroll was finished, it would be closed with wax seals. As each seal would be removed the contents of the scroll would be revealed. This scroll had seven seals. A search was made for someone worthy to open the seals, but no creature in heaven or on earth was able to open and read it.

REFLECT

Consider that Revelation 4 and 5 take place in heaven. Soon the focus will be on earth. Do you feel like a spectator sitting on the sidelines watching what is about to unfold?

RESPOND

Hopefully you have a friend to follow your study of Revelation. It is always a good idea to pass on what you are learning. Read 2 Timothy 2:1-2 to see what the apostle Paul told Timothy about doing so.

Day 2

The Lion

READ

Revelation 5:4-5

4 Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. 5 But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

The apostle John was heartbroken that no creature was found who was able to break open the seals of the scroll. One of the 24 elders urges John to stop weeping because the Lord Jesus Christ is worthy to do so. The Lord Jesus is described as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and the heir to David’s throne.” Prophecy had pointed to this member of the godhead who is holy and worthy to open the scroll.

REFLECT

Think how this passage reveals Jesus Christ is more worthy than any created being. He is the Creator so He is superior to anything and everyone He has created.

RESPOND

Revelation 5 is introducing what will eventually take place on earth as revealed in the scroll. It is fitting the Creator of the world is the one worthy to judge the world. He gave His life on the cross for mankind. Read John 1:10-13 to see what the apostle John wrote about Jesus’ first coming.

Day 3

The Lamb

READ

Revelation 5:6-7

6 Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth. 7 He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne.

Verse 5 referred to Jesus as a “Lion” and now He is spoken of as a “Lamb.” In Revelation, John used the word for “little lamb” 27 times and it is not used elsewhere in the New Testament.  The “seven horns” refer to power. The “seven eyes” to seeing everything. The “sevenfold Spirit” is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. This little lamb stepped forward and took the scroll from the one sitting on the throne.

REFLECT

Think about some of the majesties of heaven. John could not explain them exactly so he used symbolic language.

RESPOND

Read John 1:29-31 to see how John the Baptist referred to the one who had come to be the sacrificial lamb for sin. It is noteworthy that Jesus died on the cross during Passover, that was the time for the lamb to be sacrificed.

Day 4

Worship the Lamb

READ

Revelation 5:8-10

8 And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it.

For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.”

Worship is ascribed to the Lamb for what He had done for people. “Worship” is derived from an old English word “worthship.” Any time one is thinking about God’s worth, that is worship. This is true whether singing a hymn, reading the Scriptures, praying, or meditating. This passage is looking ahead to a future time when the events of Revelation will be fulfilled.

REFLECT

Spend time thinking about the worth of God. Know that in so doing you are worshiping Him. Some use a hymnbook during their devotional times. The lyrics can help lift your heart to God.

RESPOND

With your friend, look ahead to Revelation 8:3-4 to see incense associated with the prayers of God’s people.  Consider how your prayers make sweet incense to God. Read Psalm 141:1-2 in this regard.

Day 5

Worthy Is the Lamb

READ

Revelation 5:11-12

11 Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. 12 And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.”

The word “slaughtered” refers to a violent death. Because of what Jesus went through, millions of angels, along with the living beings and elders, sang a chorus of praise to Him. They acknowledged that He was worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing.

REFLECT

Imagine this scene in heaven with all these created beings worshiping God. What they said the Savior was worthy of seems to cover all needs. In this sense, you can know that for all things spiritual, Jesus is all you need.

RESPOND

May you and your disciple spend time talking about God’s worth, and in this way worship Him. Imagine what life in general and your life in particular would be like if Jesus had not died on the cross for you. Read Romans 15:5-6 to see what the apostle Paul said about praising God.