Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro:

AG:

TS: In , we see a heavenly worship scene.

First, we see a scroll which couldn’t be opened due to nobody being qualified.

Then we see Jesus being worthy to take and open the scroll.

All rejoice and worship Him in response.

RS: Passages like this can remind us of what an awesome Savior we have.

He alone is worthy.

He alone brings redemption and offers us hope.

The Scroll

Scroll written on both sides

Typical of contracts in the ancient world

examples:

deeds, marriage contracts, rental agreements, & wills

They would contain details of the contract on the inside, and on the outside (“back”) a summary

Many view this as the deed of the earth.

Sealed with 7 seals

Roman custom was to seal a will with 7 seals on the edge of the roll

This prevented unauthorized entry

Hebrew titles required 3 witnesses and 3 seals minimum

More important transactions required more.

Mighty Angel

This angel isn’t named, but the description reminds us of Gabriel, whose name means “strength of God”

Gabriel, and other angels, are often seen carrying out their mission of delivering God’s messages and carrying out His will on earth.

This angel raises the question, “who is worthy to open the scroll and seals?”

He is asking who is the one the seals were reserved for?

Who is one with authority.

The Answer

No one was able to open the scroll

“in heaven or on earth, or under the earth”

all of the universe is included.

No created being had the authority to open the scroll

John’s reaction:

he began to weep loudly

He was heart broken that there was no opening the scroll

He longed to know the contents of the scroll

The inadequacy of all in the universe moved John

This is much like Isaiah’s reaction to God’s holiness in

Isaiah and John had the same experience

They were overwhelmed by their inadequacy

Their sinfulness left them marred

The results of the fall left them far lower than God’s standard.

AP: We are reminded here of our inadequacy.

None of us are worthy to claim the deed of the universe.

None of us have the right within ourselves to claim

If the text ended here, we would be sad and lack hope

I’m glad that it continues!

The Lamb

The Worthy One

The Worthy One

Lion of the Tribe of Judah

This is one of the oldest titles for Messiah

It speaks of fierceness and strength

In the coming chapters which display the glorified Christ in His 2nd advent, we see this fierceness and strength on full display.

Root of David

Another Messianic Title

He is a descendant of David and with devastating force He will compel the wicked of the Earth to bow to His authority.

Conqueror

He has overcome Satan and has the right to rule.

It is His birthright as God’s son

It is His right as conqueror.

He is worthy to open the seals.

Lamb

lit.

“a little, pet lamb”

much like the Passover lamb which had to be brought into the homes for 4 days

They would grow close to it before it was slain

Here in Heaven, John sees the true Passover Lamb

God’s Son

as if slain

Scars from slaughter would still be visible

Seven Eyes and Seven Horns

horns- symbolize power

7 horns speak of Jesus’ complete and perfect power

He is both a meek Lamb who went silently to the slaughter and Sovereign God full of power and authority.

eyes= 7 Spirits of God (4:5)

The Worship

Elders’ & Creatures’ response

bowed down, played harps and sang praise

Bowls of incense

prayers of the saints

Incense bowls were part of the OT Temple worship

they were golden, wide-mouth saucers

incense would be burned twice a day before the veil which separated the holy place from the most holy place in the temple.

In OT, the incense represented the prayers of the people.

Here, it represents our prayers in heaven

New Song

People in the Bible often responded to God in song

Many times, it focused on the experience of God’s redemption and deliverance.

Here they sang:

“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

This song focuses on:

Christ’s worthiness

worthy are You

Christ’s redemptive work

You were slain

By Your blood You ransomed

Christ’s Sanctifying Work

made them a Kingdom and priests

They shall reign