Introduction
Continue- journey to the cross/resurrection of Jesus Christ.
As Easter approaches- understand what God did for us
Heb 2:17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.
The cross of Christ- powerful symbol of truth.
Rev 5:1-10 (read from the Message Bible)
Revelations- revelation of Jesus Christ
He is seen as
-Lamb that died for our sins
-King that will judge wicked/reward righteous
Rev 5:1-2
Scroll- revelation of what God has determined for the future course of the world/humanity …
judgment of the world/triumph of God’s people
Significance of the scroll- God has a plan for the universe/His purposes are/will be fulfilled.
Eph 1:9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. NLT
It was sealed so only the right person could open it.
Mat 27:66 And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone. NASU
Tomb- sealed so no man- claim- He had been raised.
There was no seal/guard that could keep the only one worthy to open this scroll, in the grave.
Rev 5:3-4
The question is not, Who should reveal the destinies of the Church (this any inspired prophet might do)? but, Who has the WORTH to give man a new title deed to his lost inheritance? (DeBurgh.)
Who can …
rule this world?
establish justice and righteousness?
bring peace and love?
restore what was lost at the fall?
Can Republicans? Democrats? UN?
US Military? China’s billion man army?
Can man solve his problems, or does he need a Savior?
Rev 5:5
Lion of the tribe of Judah …
Christ-pictured-Lion-king of beasts-one who will rule.
Jacob prophecies- Messiah- come from tribe of Judah.
Ge 49:9-10 NLT
9 Judah, my son, is a young lion that has finished eating its prey …
10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants,* until the coming of the one to whom it belongs,* the one whom all nations will honor.
Root of David …
God promised David that one from his blood line would forever sit on the throne and rule.
Isa 11:10 In that day the heir to David’s throne* will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.*
The names for Jesus speak of the fact that …
the coming of Jesus was foretold years before
He was appointed to come by God,
He came in the manner He did …
so there would be someone worthy to take and open the scroll.
Rev 5:6-7
Instead of Jesus coming like a Lion, we see a lamb.
A lamb in which you can see the marks of crucifixion.
Crucified- but standing in heaven alive- resurrection.
The lion … refers to His second coming;
The lamb … refers to His first coming.
The lion is symbolic of His majesty;
The lamb is symbolic of His meekness.
As a lion He is a Sovereign;
As a lamb He is a Savior.
As a lion He is a Judge;
As a lamb He is judged. (Barclay)
Lamb standing, as if slain – a picture of His blood continually poured out for the sins of mankind.
Each generation can come to Christ/find eternal life.
Seven horns- represent the power/strength of a ruler.
Seven eyes- complete and perfect knowledge/wisdom.
Jn 1:17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace/truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
Rev 5:8
Elders- perhaps represent the church- saved by God.
Harp speaks of worship- language of heaven- worship
Here is the truth that heaven and earth and all that is within them is designed for the praise of Jesus Christ; and it is our privilege to lend our voices and our lives to this vast chorus of praise. (Barclay)
Bowls of Incense- our prayers are a part of the work of God both in heaven/earth.
Psa 141:2 May my prayer be counted as incense before You; The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering. NASU
Rev 5:9
There is always a new song for- new mercies of God.
Psa 98:1 O sing to the Lord a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.
The praise is offered because Jesus died to …
restore man’s lost relationship w/God
set man free from the law of sin and death
make eternal life available to all mankind
Rev 5:10
Men have always been sons of God by creation, now there is a new door of grace opened up where we
reign in heaven w/Him as sons. Eph 1:3, 20; 2:6
Rom 8:16-17 NASU
16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,
17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
Through His death we have been made priests.
Ancient world- only priests could approach God.
Every man is a priest- has the right of access to God.
Conclusion
A warning to us today …
1 Peter 1:17-21
Additional Information
Stop weeping- Jesus spoke the same words …
Lk 7:13 When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her, " Do not weep." NASU
Lk 8:52 Now they were all weeping and lamenting for her; but He said, "Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep." NASU
Jesus demonstrated His power, even over death itself.
Ezekiel 2:9-10
9 Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and lo, a scroll was in it.
10 When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back, and written on it were lamentations, mourning and woe. NASU
John wept- if a worthy person is not found, God’s purposes for mankind may not be realized.
Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. NASU
Isa 11:2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him,
The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. NASU
Isaiah speaking of the coming Messiah
Isa 53:7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers … NASU
John the Baptist- refers to Jesus as the Lamb of God.
Jn 1:29 … "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! NASU
Message Bible Rv 5:1-10
I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One Seated on the Throne. It was written on both sides, fastened with seven seals.
I also saw a powerful Angel, calling out in a voice like thunder, "Is there anyone who can open the scroll, who can break its seals?"
There was no one — no one in Heaven, no one on earth, no one from the underworld — able to break open the scroll and read it.
I wept and wept and wept that no one was found able to open the scroll, able to read it.
One of the Elders said, "Don’t weep. Look — the Lion from Tribe Judah, the Root of David’s Tree, has conquered. He can open the scroll, can rip through the seven seals."
So I looked, and there, surrounded by Throne, Animals, and Elders, was a Lamb, slaughtered but standing tall. Seven horns he had, and seven eyes, the Seven Spirits of God sent into all the earth.
He came to the One Seated on the Throne and took the scroll from his right hand. The moment he took the scroll, the Four Animals and Twenty-four Elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb. Each had a harp and each had a bowl, a gold bowl filled with incense, the prayers of God’s holy people.
And they sang a new song: Worthy! Take the scroll, open its seals. Slain! Paying in blood, you bought men and women, Bought them back from all over the earth, Bought them back for God. Then you made them a Kingdom, Priests for our God, Priest-kings to rule over the earth.
