Revelation 5:1-14
Background: Chapters 4 and 5 are one vision with two parts. John began his vision by recording God the Creator, Majestic ruler, the One who is worthy of all glory and praise. Chapter 5 focuses on the Lamb, Jesus Christ, the King of kings. Keep in mind that the Old Testament focused on the Lamb on the alter. The New Testament focused on the Lamb on the cross. The book of Revelation focuses on the Lamb on the throne.
God Holds the Mystery of the Scroll v.1
The word throne appears 40 times in Revelation. Also, the scroll appears eight times in this chapter. What is in the scroll? What is written on it? The best answer I believe is found in Daniel 12:4 “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.” So it is the sealed book of how the end times will unfold. Danny Akin suggest that it could be a book of judgment, salvation, and restoration. Judgement– seal Ch. 6, trumpets Ch. 8-9, Lake of fire (20:11-15). Salvation– Ch.7,14; 19:1-10. Restoration– new heaven, new earth, new Jerusalem chapters 21-22.
The Lamb is Worthy to Open the Seals vv.2-5
Look at verse 5. This phrase of Christ as the Lion of Judah is from Gen 49:9-10. The only One that is worthy and able is Christ, the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah, the Root of David. The word conquered here is the Greek word Nike, meaning victorious.
The Lamb has Strength Over Death v.6
Slaughtered speaks of Christ’s death and standing speaks of Christ’s resurrection. I’m reminded of the hope we find in Romans 8:11 “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” The seven horns made Christ look scary. Seven is symbolic for perfection and the horns represent strength and power. Don’t forget, apocalyptic literature is filled with images that are symbolic. The eyes are for Christ’s wisdom, and the seven spirits apply Isaiah 11:2 in which the One Holy Spirit has seven attributes.
The Lamb is the Sovereign Ruler v.7
He is the one who is appointed to rule, to open the scroll. I’m comforted in Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” You know and I know this verse, but do we live it? Do we acknowledge that Christ is sovereign over life? God’s sovereignty is our protection. When we live outside of this, naturally comes confusion, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Outside the promise of God’s all-encompassing sovereignty are straw houses of drugs, broken walls of investment strategies, retirement plans, and addictions. We worry about the bad people on the news coming to get us! Live in His sovereign rule for our good and His glory!
The Lamb is Worthy of Praise Because He is the Savior vv.8-14
Praise from the saints (vv.8-10)
Praise from the angels (vv.11-12)
Praise from all creation (vv.13-14)
Application:
The Lamb’s Kingdom is Unshakable (Hebrews 12:28 “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,”)
The Lamb’s Plan for us is Unimaginable (Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.”)
The Lamb’s Love for His People is Unending (Romans 5:8 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”)