Day 12 of Revelation Study: Chapter 5

The Scroll and the Lamb

John sees the Father sitting on His throne holding a scroll in His right hand which has writing on both sides and is sealed with seven seals. It is interesting to note that we are never clued into what is written on the scroll. All we know is what happens when a seal is broken. However, at first there seems to be a slight complication. You see, an angel asks who is worthy to open it and no one pipes up. No one in Heaven or on Earth or in the deepest confinements of Hell can break the seals and look at the contents of the scroll which is in the Father’s hand.

So, what does John do? He weeps. Yet he is hushed when his attention is directed to the only One who is worthy and willing to break the seals. Jesus is seen here as both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb that was slain. These mental images portray Him as both the ruling King and the humble Savior.

As in the previous chapter, I think there is much evidence to suggest that the seven spirits of God are referring to the fullness of the Holy Spirit ministering within and throughout the seven churches. These churches seem to be representative for the greater universal Church throughout the remainder of the age because they are said to have been “sent out into all the earth.”  The reason why John tags the number seven onto the front of “spirits” is because there are seven churches which are being referenced. One of the Holy Spirit’s main ministries is the indwelling of the Church body [both local and universal].

The seven horns would best be interpreted as God’s power and rule (cf. 1 Sam. 2:10 where the horn is a sign of strength for God’s anointed). I would also recommend checking out the verses throughout Revelation which mention horns because they are all speaking of certain kings and kingdoms involved in a power struggle (cf. Rev. 12:3; 13:1, 11; 17:3, 7, 12, 16). The seven eyes are likely a picture of God’s all-seeing eyes. There is nothing that escapes His notice and He has chosen to manifest His presence through His Church. Yes, God sees all things anyway, but He fills His Church with His Spirit; and this text shows us that His Church is with Him (5:6) and He is in Heaven.

As soon as Jesus takes the scroll from the Father’s hand the angels of Heaven and the people of God worship Him and begin singing a brand-new song. Notice that He has not actually done anything with it, except to take it. What no one else was worthy or even able to do, Christ boldly accomplished by approaching the Father and taking what is rightfully His; and, with one accord, everyone in all of creation worships Him.

Continue on to gain a glimpse of the coming judgments.

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