(S)

The Lamb Opens the Scroll

5 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.

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.”

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. 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.”

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.”

¹³ And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power
    belong to the one sitting on the throne
    and to the Lamb forever and ever.”

¹⁴ And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.

(O)

We continue to see an incredible scene in the throne room of God. Often, Revelation is thought of as future events book, but I think we are seeing, a revelation, of past, present and future. I believe we are seeing God creating the scroll, sealing it long ago. They couldn’t find someone worthy, that is until Jesus came along and was crucified and defeated death. He was the one who could open the scroll. It’s a very brief overview of the history of the world in just a few sentences.

What an incredible sight and sound it must have been to see and hear the thousands and millions of angels, living beings and elders. What catches my attention is that every creature in heaven and earth and the sea sang praises to the Lord. Does that mean the cattle, the fish, the whales, the cats and dogs, and the people, all singing praises? It seems to indicate that, but whatever it is, every creature was praising God for what he has done and who He is, and anticipating what is to come. What a mind-boggling scene John was witnessing.

(A)

Regardless of what exactly it all means, everything was worshipping God. This is a big deal. Worshipping God is what we were created for. We are made for the pleasure of God; to be His friend, to glorify Him while we are here on earth, to share His might and grace with the world around us. These are the things that pleasure God. Let’s remember today the creator of the universe desires a relationship with you personally. That is His pleasure

(P)

God we bow down and worship you today. Thank you for your incredible creation and your plan of redemption for each one of us. Thank you that the lamb was found worthy and therefore we can be found worthy in your eyes.