Revelation 5 - The Lamb Who Was Slain

LINK: Revelation 5

BACKGROUND

This chapter is the culmination of all that we have learned in the three years of Bible reading in the Bible Book Club and The Scarlet Thread of Redemption that we have been tracking from Genesis - Revelation! If you are just doing Revelation or just this chapter and have not been part of the Bible Book Club, consider doing it in the next cycle that starts January 1! We read 1-2 chapters a day for three years (but you can do it faster or slower if you want). 

Revelation 5 opens with God, on His throne, holding a book (scroll) that is sealed up with seven seals. The loud voice (the first of 20 in the book of Revelation) of a strong angel asks, 

"Who is worthy 

to open the book and to break its seals?" 
(Revelation 5:2)

The only one worthy was the "Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David." Remember that David came from the tribe of Judah, and Jesus came from the line of David (Matthew 1:1). Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of a King who would come. 

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to
 testify to you these things for the churches. 

I am the root and the descendant of David, 
the bright morning star.”

(Revelation 22:16)

Revelation 5:5 says that the Lion has "overcome." This ties in with the "victory" songs at the beginning of the last scene. "Overcome" and "victory" are derived from the same Greek root word, nike, that I talked about in that post. Jesus is the victor in the battle against Satan and sin and has given us the victory.

Even though Jesus was introduced as a Lion, John saw a "Lamb standing, as if slain." In His first coming, Jesus came as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world" (John 1:29). In His Second Coming, He will be the conquering Lion. Revelation 5 is the only place in this book where Jesus is referred to as a Lion, but He is referred to as a Lamb 27 times! "He is a lion to conquer Satan, a lamb to satisfy the justice of God" (Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible, Revelation 5:6-14, p. 2471). 

What about the scroll?

The scroll represents Christ’s “title deed” to all that the Father promised Him because of His sacrifice on the cross. “Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen [nations] for Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession” (Ps. 2:8). Jesus Christ is the “Heir of all things” (Heb. 1:2). He is our beloved “Kinsman-Redeemer” who was willing to give His life to set us free from bondage and to restore our lost inheritance (see Lev. 25:23–46; the Book of Ruth; Jer. 32:6–15). (The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, Re 5:1, p. 584)

A title deed can only be opened by the heir, and Jesus is the heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2).

Also, Jesus "purchased" (agorazō means "to redeem") people from every tribe, language, people, and nation (salvation is available to ALL). His blood bought us all out of slavery. 

When the Lamb takes the scroll, the only response of the elders, living creatures, and eventually angels totally an innumerable multitude is WORSHIP. Then, every created thing in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and on and in the sea gives power, riches, wisdom, might, honor, glory, blessing, and full-on WORSHIP to the Lamb because He is so very WORTHY! 

HALLELUJAH AND AMEN!!!

REFLECTION/APPLICATION/PRAYER

Love this song and listening to it this morning. 

Let it lead you into worship!

"Revelation Song" by Kari Jobe

Worthy is the, Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to him who sits on
Heaven's mercy seat
[2X]

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory and power be
to You the only wise King

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder
At the mention of your name
Jesus your name is power
Breath, and living water
Such a marvelous mystery
Yeah...

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come, yeah
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You
[3X]

With this heavenly scene set and our hearts set on worshiping God in His glory and majesty, tomorrow we will start exploring the opening of the seven seals revealing the power of God in judgment. Hold on to your seats! We are in for a wild ride!