Just a taste [Revelation 5:4 -- 14]

May 14, 2020 (Thursday)

 

Still stuck in the slime? Yesterday we left John weeping bitterly in heaven. Who said there are no tears in heaven? Guilty. However, the Bible does say God will wipe away our tears in heaven. In this dark moment in heaven, something remarkable happens.

 

“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’  Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne” [Revelation 5:5 – 7 NIV].

 

John is informed the “the Lion” has triumphed and is able!  However, what John sees is a Lamb. On an animal scale, these two animals would be opposites. One a powerful predator, the other is powerless prey. The lamb looks like it has been slain, referring to Jesus’ death (and by implication resurrection). This was John’s announcement, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” [John 1:29b NLT] The image of the “root of David” vaults us back to the multiple prophecies about Jesus; His rightful place, His death, and resurrection. Another way to understand this; “the heir to David’s throne.” [NLT]

 

The Lamb is seen having seven horns (symbolizing power) and seven eyes (symbolizing the seven-fold Spirit of God).  All power, knowledge, and wisdom are His.

 

The third anthem in the book of Revelation is sung. In verse 9 the focus a four-fold declaration “with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.” [NIV] Two ideas jump out at this point; Jesus has purchased us with His blood and this option is open to all people everywhere at all times. We see the basis of our faith in the blood that purchased us. We also see the equality of every human and God’s desire to bring all to faith.

The fourth anthem is spoken by the angels, and confers similar worth to Jesus as to God (the Father). In an unimaginable number, “In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” [Revelation 5:12 NIV] To the Lamb is added wealth, wisdom, and strength.

 

The fifth anthem (Revelation 5:13)  features the first two groups being joined by “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea.” Notice this is very similar to the list of those who were unable to open the scroll and those who, according to Philippines 2:9 – 11, will “acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [NIV]

 

Before the mayhem begins we get a good picture of the magnificent glory of God. We taste the joy of the results of our resurrected Lord and Savior. But, it’s just a taste. This is a prelude to God unleashing His justice on a world that will constantly refuse salvation despite the final and dramatic attempts God goes through to offer salvation to all.