The Scroll

The Lamb

All Saints Sunday and a message I think we need to hear today. The Scroll. 5 Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Re 5:1–2). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

So, what is important in this first passage? So the actual original language stated that the scroll was on his hand. The picture is of a scroll and the length was as it needed to be to include the entirety of the book. Papyrus was used to make a scroll and it was an expensive process. The second thought is that only when it was important was the back ever used. Generally the back of the papyrus was the protector of the document when rolled up. Can you imagine that for a moment? The message was important that both sides was used.

The question arises with John that no one was found who could open the scroll. Today we look back at our year and we announce those who have gone before us. We remember those who have led us to this time in our lives. 3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, 4 and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Re 5:3–4). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

The message today is to explain how someone became worthy to open the scroll. 5 And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Re 5:5). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. Verse 5 implies that the Lion of the Tribe of Judah has gone to battle. Those who have gone on before us have also battled for us. They have encouraged and prayed for us. Today we celebrate that they will now speak for us in the Heavenly place.

English Standard Version Chapter 5

6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying,

“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,

10  and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,

and they shall reign on the earth.”

11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might

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 blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.