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Starkman
Registered Member
Date Joined Oct 2001
Total Posts : 1747
| Posted 12/12/2002 12:19 PM (GMT -6) |   | More thoughts on my studies in Revelation . . .
Revelation 5: John weeps over the unopened scroll
As we read Revelation chapter 4, there is pure and perfect praise and worship before the Almighty Lord God (how awesome this will be, will it not!). Come chapter 5, a scroll is introduced, one which there apparently is no one worthy to open it, and John weeps because of this. What strikes me is that John is having a vision, knows he's having a vision, but still weeps. Surely he know that the Messiah had already come, that he (John) is born again, saved and has nothing to worry about? Why weep, then over the scroll not being opened?
That scroll is obviously very important. First, it requiress that whosoever is to open it be qualified; that is, the person authorized to open it must be found worthy. The worthiness is defined by one of the 24 Elders who comes and talks to John about the scroll: "Do not weep," the Elder says, "Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seals" (5:5). When the Lamb takes the scroll, the 24 elders and the 4 creatures say, "You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood" (5:9). The one who can open the scroll, therefore, must be able to prevail and to redeem. This the Messiah was able to do. But the question still remains, hadn't the fact that the Messiah had already prevailed and redeemed been enough for John? What is there to weep about?
If we give some thought to what might have been going on in John's mind, we might find that he was very aware that the information being given to him about the scroll (as well as the previous information about the 7 churches already addressed by the Lord just prior to this portion of the vision) involved something more than just redemption; it involved the future. The future of every person already redeemed, the future of those not redeemed, and the future of both the kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of God. John's weeping, I believe, was because he so understood what was before him; the very balance of human history to come. The delicacy of mankind's life held in the hand of the God of heaven and earth. Yes, the Lamb has in fact prevailed and redeemed, but there is still and future to be dealt with; a future requiring the same power and might like the One who prevailed and redeemed. And who else but the Lamb can hold the balance, power, and control of the universe and all of its future, and keep it from being destroyed by the enemy! It is one thing to prevail and redeem, but it is yet another (and just as much a requirement as was prevailing and redeeming) to assure the world that no one, but no one will thwart God's will and control over the universe! Victory will come for the redeemed. Judgement will come to the unredeemed. The Lamb--the Word of God Himself--will again prevail!
When we read Revelation chapter 5, we should take note of that which John took note: It would not be enough that the Lamb only prevailed and redeemed; there must be the security that all of human history to come is under His soverign control, and that nothing can stop the God of heaven and earth to bring about His purposes, judgements and victories. Such good news will cause us to say, as is said in 5:12-13,
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom,
and strength and honor and glory and blessing.
Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever.
For the prevailing and redeeming work of the Lamb,
Starkman
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