AM Dec 14th Rev 5

December 14th

Revelation, 5

1: And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2: And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3: And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4: And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5: And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 6: And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7: And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8: And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9: And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10: And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 11: And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12: Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13: And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14: And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

The vision continues. John sees a scroll written on both sides and the challenge is given. Who is worthy to open the book and to break the seven seals? And the answer is that no-one is found worthy. John weeps because no-one is found worthy but he is told not to weep because the Lion of the tribe of Judah has prevailed.. John looks to see the Over-comer and he sees a Lamb standing as if he had been slain. (Lambs don’t stand after they have been slain) The Lamb comes and takes the scroll and the twenty four elders fall down again before the lamb. Each of them have a vial full of the prayers of the saints. And they break into song. But now the song is not to the God the creator but to the Lamb the redeemer. Their song is to the redemption out of every kindred tongue and nation. The angels elders and beasts join together in their millions, saying worthy is the Lamb saying, Worthy is the Lamb to receive…power, riches, wisdom, strength honour, glory and blessing and then the whole of creation joins in saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. The four beasts say, amen and the twenty four elders fall down and worship him (Christ) that liveth for ever and ever. This breath taking scene focuses our attention on Christ himself who is the centre of heaven, the centre of heavens creatures and the focus of heavens worship.

Steve