Worship the Redeemer: (chap.5)
The events of Chap.5 follow immediately after those of chapter 4. The scene is once again the Throne of God in heaven. The Cherubim, the 24-elders and the Holy Spirit in His seven-fold glory are all present. The events in the Chap.5 anticipate the divine judgement about to strike the earth (Rev.6-19). Awestruck by the majesty of God’s throne, the Cherubim and elders begin a series of hymns (songs) to God. These songs portray God as creator and redeemer and rejoice that He is about to take back what is rightfully His.
John sees a scroll in the right hand of God. The scroll could not be read because it was rolled up and sealed with seven seals. John could see writing on both sides of the scroll, which meant that nothing more could be added. What was written was completed and final.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. A similar title deed can be seen (Jer.32:6-7) where Jeremiah buys a field from Hanamel in the hometown of Anathoth, near Jerusalem.
Jesus is worthy of all: (5:2-7): The strong angel (also in 10:1; 18:21) is not named but perhaps Gabriel or Michael. He spoke with a “a loud voice” asking for some one who is worthy to open the book and break the seals. A search was being made in the mean time John became emotional and wept, because he wanted to see the world without evil, sin and death. Although his tears were unnecessary, his focus shifted on Jesus who is a lion from the tribe of Judah, the root of David emerged out to open and break its seals. The Lion of Judah was a prophesy of Jacob’s blessing to Judah (Gen.49:8-10).
The Lamb and the Scroll
The Jews of Jesus’ day expected the Messiah to be powerful and to liberate them from the heavy hand of their Roman oppressors. It was partly because Jesus failed to live up to their expectations that they rejected Him. Tragically the Jews completely misjudged their Messiah. He is lion and will tear up and destroy their enemies. But He will do so according to His timetable, not theirs. Jesus is also seen here as the “Root of David.” As (Matt.1, Luke 3) reveal Jesus was a descendant of David both on His father’s and mother’s side. Now John looked at the Throne which is between the 4-living creatures and 24-elders his attention focused on “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the whole world”(Jn.1:29). The lamb refers to a little lamb or pet lamb. This image takes us to the Passover, when Jewish families were required to keep the sacrificial lamb as a household pet for four days before sacrificing it (Ex.12:3-6).
This lamb was not an ordinary lamb. He was standing alive, yet looking as if He had been slain. The scars from the deadly would this Lamb received were clearly visible, yet He was alive. Though the demons and wicked men conspired against Him and killed Him, He rose from the dead, defeating and triumphing over His enemies. He had 7-horns symbolizing strength and power. Seven, the number of perfection, symbolizes the Lamb’s complete, absolute power. He also had 7-eyes symbolizing absolute understanding and knowledge. The eyes represented 7-Spirits of God which again symbolizes the Holy Spirit in all His fullness.
The monumental act which was about to take place is the great and culminating act of history, the act that will signal the end of man’s day. The ultimate goal of redemption is about to be seen. Paradise will be regained. Eden restored. Before John’s wondering eyes, the Lamb came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. The worthy One has arrived to take back what is rightfully His.
The praise and worship of the Lamb: (5:8-14)
When the scroll was taken by the Lamb, the 24-elders fell down before the Lamb in worship. Each elder had a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which was interpreted as the prayers of the saints (Ps 141:2). In a new song the 4-creatures and 24-elders ascribed worthiness to the Lamb to take the scroll and break the seals, stating that the Lamb had been slain and had purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. Those He purchased with His blood were made a kingdom and priests to serve our God and to reign on the earth.
The angels (Myriads – unaccountable host) soon join the creatures and the elders in praising the Lamb (5:11-12). The vast host began saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain and to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing.” Once again the emphasis is on Christ’s death providing a perfect redemption. He is worthy to receive recognition because of His power, wisdom and omniscience. As the hymn of praise reaches a crescendo, “every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them” join together. Also prophesied in (Ps.69:34; 150:6). “To Him who sits on the throne and the Lamb, be blessing and honour and glory and dominion forever and ever.” Endless worship belongs to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The creation is unable to contain its joy over its upcoming redemption. Lost in praise, the 4-living creatures could keep saying “Amen.” It is a solemn affirmation that “let it be, or make it to happen.”
Soon this mighty host would march out of heaven to execute judgement, gather God’s people and return with Christ when He sets up His earthly kingdom. The stage for God’s ultimate plan has already been set in the house of God. Though believers today do not have the privilege of sharing John’s vision or a similar one granted to Paul (2 Cor.12:1-3), every believer can take the word pictures of Scripture here and anticipate the glory and the wonder of the heavenly scene that he will someday see with his own eyes.