Who was able to judge and resolve the human condition? The Lamb of God – a lamb to the faithful, and a conqueror to the obstinate. The One and Only Who has ushered creation itself into being, The One Who protects the willing and restores the faithful. Truly His is the life worthy, sacred, beautiful. The empty tomb could not silence the Eternal Voice!
1 Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”
Almighty God holds a scroll, a record of events that have not yet happened. What is written on the scroll? Is there anyone who is able to take it, to reveal its contents? Will the message of the scroll be read – to usher the contents into being?
3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it. 4 And I began to weep bitterly, because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look inside it.
No one appears able – not yet. Is humanity lost in the treachery of the adversary, in the melee besetting the entire world? What can be done?
5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
There is one who has overcome, who has defeated death and conquered the grave! The one promised to the children of God, promised by The LORD God to establish the throne of David forever and ever.
6 Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And He came and took the scroll from the right hand of the One seated on the throne.
The text states seven horns, seven eyes, seven Spirits of God. Please note the ancient Greek form of the word ‘spirits’ indicates the genitive case, thus ‘of’ (i.e. ‘from’) can mean directed, issued by. I suspect the latter is the intended meaning, thus “seven spirits from” (directed by) God, but I cannot be certain. Our world is one of mystery and I, for one, am most grateful.
8 When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
The prayers of the saints are a precious, precious possession of God, about to be answered in the gift, the offering, the finished work of Christ Jesus.
9 And they sang a new song:
“Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals,
because You were slain,
and by Your blood You purchased for God
those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom
and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign upon the earth.”
The text discloses a ceremony, captures the revelation of the merit, the stature of the Lamb of God – the one who possessed, in His being the perfect will, love, trust – fidelity God (has) always planned to enlighten and enliven the place, the merit and stature of the lowliest men, women, and children. Thank You, gracious God – for You are Light. You are Love.
11 Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels and living creatures and elders encircling the throne, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing!”
13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To Him who sits on the throne
and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power
forever and ever!”
14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Let us add our voices, to share in the chorus of acclaim, “Amen!”
End Times Prophecy 