FOUR HEAVENLY SCENES SHOW YAHWEH JESUS AS THE RIGHTFUL RULER OVER THIS EARTH AND ALL OF CREATION
Revelation 5:1-14
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
The Apostle John divides this section up into four scenes with the words “and I saw”
(kai eidon – Greek) used in verses 1, 2, 6, and 11.
I. Scene One: Yahweh Father and the seven-sealed scroll (Revelation 5:1).
A. Yahweh Father, who is still on His throne that was described in chapter 4, is now seen balancing a scroll on His right palm.
B. The scroll has been written on both sides and sealed with seven seals.
1. The scroll was probably made of papyrus strips that were glued together and then rolled. The writing on front and back of papyrus scrolls was usually reserved for documents, divorce settlements, and contract deeds (verse 1, Ezek. 2:9, 10).
2. Important Roman documents of the time such as wills were sealed seven times to make them authentic. Seals were usually made of clay or wax and then an impression or signature carved in it. Only an authorized person could open a document that had been sealed (verse 1, Isaiah 29:11, 12; Daniel 8:26, 12:4, 9).
3. The seals could have either been on the side of the scroll (so that each time a seal was opened more of the scroll could be read) or all seven on the top of the scroll (with the events of Revelation not being read but depicted).
4. By looking at the things contained in Revelation chapters 6 through 22, Ezekiel 2:9 through 3:1; Daniel 7:8-28, 8:26, 9:27, 12:1-13 as well as every passage in the Old Testament dealing with the Day of Yahweh and every New Testament passage on Christ’s return, we can surmise what the scroll contains. It is the end of this world as we know it that concludes with Yahweh’s judgment of unrighteousness and unbelief, the establishing of Yahweh Jesus’ Kingdom, the reward for the saints, and the New Heaven and New Earth.
II. Scene Two: Yahweh Jesus the Messiah (Christ) is the only One who can open the scroll (Revelation 5:2-5).
A. A worthy (axios – Greek, meaning of proper weight as in a scale) individual is looked for in all of creation to open the scroll. However, no one was found who was, as the word worthy became, competent enough, sufficient enough, or fit enough to do the job (verses 2-4).
B. One of the 24 elders informs the weeping John that it is none other than Yahweh Jesus who is worthy to do this (verse 5).
1. He is the prophesied Messiah who is called the Lion of Judah (verse 5;
Genesis 49:9-12).
2. He is the prophesied Messiah who is called the Root of David (verse 5; Isaiah 11:1, 10; Jeremiah 23:5, 6; 33:15, 16; Romans 15:12).
THOUGHT: The way Yahweh set it up, only Jesus the unique One, who was 100% Yahweh and 100% human, could judge, rule, and reign with His people. This prophesied Christ has come and will come again!
III. Scene Three: Yahweh Jesus is the Old Testament’s prophesied Lion as well as its prophesied slain Lamb who takes the scroll, redeems believers, and brings about His reign on this earth with His saints! (verses 6-10)
A. John next sees Jesus as the slain Passover Lamb in the midst of Yahweh Father’s throne, probably at His right hand (verse 6; Psalms 110:1; Colossians. 3:1; Rev. 3:21). Evidently Jesus bore the marks of His suffering on the cross (which He bears throughout all eternity in His new body, Luke 24:39) and He can morph in the vision depicting various forms. The Passover Lamb was a definite depiction for Jesus’ death as paying for the sins of the world and freeing all those who would apply His blood to the doorpost of their lives through belief (verse 6; Exodus 12:3-11; Isaiah 53:6, 7; John 1:29; 19:14, 31-36).
B. The Lamb has seven horns and seven eyes. The Biblical number seven is the perfect number symbolizing fullness or completeness. The horns represent the fullness of His power and strength (verse 6, Deut. 33:17; 2 Sam. 22:3) and the eyes represent His ability to discern and purify this world through the power of His Holy Spirit (verse 6, Zech. 3:9, 4:10; Rev. 1:4, 3:1).
C. The Lamb evidently switches positions, probably moves to the front of Yahweh Father, and takes the scroll from the Father’s right hand. At this event, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fall down before the Lamb in worship to celebrate the magnitude of the occasion. At this time, each of these 28 beings has a harp (usually 10 or 12 strings were commonly used in temple worship – I Chron. 25:1, 6) and a golden incense bowl (containing the petitions of the saints for true justice and the Kingdom of Jesus – Psalms 141:2; Luke 18:7, 8; Revelation 8:3-5) (verses 7, 8).
D. The new song (like Isaiah 42:10) these 28 beings sing and say relates to glorifying Yahweh Jesus for His redemptive sacrifice, His reward for His saints, and His coming Kingdom (verses 9, 10).
IV. Scene 4: The praising and glorifying of Yahweh Jesus expands to an innumerable number of angels as well as all of creation (Revelation 5:11-14).
A. The transfer of authority for the judgment and rulership of this world from Yahweh Father to Yahweh Jesus in Revelation 5 is very similar to that of the Ancient of Days to the Son of Man found in Daniel 7:9-14, 26. In both Biblical accounts, an innumerable number of angels surround the heavenly throne proclaiming His attributes and praise (verses 11, 12; I Chronicles 29:10-13; Revelation 7:12).
B. Every living creature is seen giving praise to Yahweh Jesus, no matter their location, and no matter what kind or type of creation. All of creation will worship and glorify the Lamb! (verse 13; Isaiah 45:23; Romans 8:18-25; Philippians. 2:10, 11; Rev. 19:11 - 22:21).
C. The four living creatures add their Amen (so be it, the things being done and said are true) and the 24 elders once again fall down and worship the eternal ruler! (verse 14)
THOUGHT: Let us add our Amen and our worship for our awesome Lamb, Lion, and
King! He alone has the power to open the seals and do the things He has promised. Our hope is only in Him!
