Revelation 5
In Revelation 5, Chapter 5 continues describing the vision John saw from the heavenly throne. If Chapter 4 portrayed the heavenly throne and the angelic worship praising God, then in Chapter 5, an important event unfolds regarding the "scroll" and "the one who is able to open it." These symbolic images and profound meanings deliver an important message to believers.
1verseI saw, in the right hand of him who sat on the throne, a book written inside and outside, sealed shut with seven seals.
2verseI saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to break its seals?”
3verseNo one in heaven above, or on the earth, or under the earth, was able to open the book or to look in it.
4verseThen I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look in it.
5verseOne of the elders said to me, “Don’t weep. Behold, the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome: he who opens the book and its seven seals.”
6verseI saw in the middle of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the middle of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.
7verseThen he came, and he took it out of the right hand of him who sat on the throne.
8verseNow when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
9verseThey sang a new song, saying, “You are worthy to take the book and to open its seals, for you were killed, and bought us for God with your blood out of every tribe, language, people, and nation,
10verseand made us kings and priests to our God; and we will reign on the earth.”
11verseI looked, and I heard something like a voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders. The number of them was ten thousands of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands,
12versesaying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!”
13verseI heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!”
14verseThe four living creatures said, “Amen!” Then the elders fell down and worshiped.
The Scroll and the Seven Seals
At the beginning of the scene (5:1-4), God holds in His right hand a scroll, and this scroll is written both inside and out, and is sealed with seven seals. A messenger/angel searches for someone worthy to open the scroll and read it, but no one is found who can open it, so John weeps loudly. This expresses the sense of limitation and weakness experienced in the reality where humanity's history cannot be opened.
The Appearance of the Lamb and Its Worthiness
In the transition of the scene (5:5-7), the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" and "the Lamb" appears. This One declares that He is worthy to take the scroll and its seals, and John sees the form of the Lamb, which symbolizes Jesus Christ. This Lamb appears to have been slain, yet is alive, and has seven horns and seven eyes (the fullness of the Holy Spirit). This reveals that Jesus has completed all authority, wisdom, and the work of salvation.
Heavenly Praise and Worship
When the Lamb takes the scroll, the four living creatures, the 24 elders, and countless angels praise the Lamb (5:8-14). They sing that He "was slain" and purchased people for God with His blood, and they proclaim that all peoples will worship Him. The final part of this chapter concludes with the universal praise that gives "praise and honor, and glory and power" to the One seated on the throne and to the Lamb.
Points for Reflection
- In a reality where the scroll containing God's plan of salvation is not opened, we can see that only Jesus Christ is the One who opens the way.
- We can also meditate on how the Lamb saved humanity by humbling Himself and offering Himself as a sacrifice.
- We can think about what kind of heart we should live with, as we have been invited to the cosmic worship in which all creation worships God and the Lamb and praises His sovereignty and love.
Apply It to Yourself
- By believing that only Christ opens and leads my life and the history of humanity, I reflect on whether I can still have hope in the face of difficulties and limitations.
- I can also make a commitment to live a life of serving with humility by emulating the Lamb's sacrifice and love.
- With the community that believes in God, think about how you can practice living a life that praises and worships God and Jesus Christ even in your place in life.
