Persecuted for preaching the gospel, around A.D. 95, John was exiled to Patmos, an island on the Aegean Sea where he received a revelation from an angel of Christ.
Previously, Christ spoke to John through a vision that included seven candlesticks which represent the seven churches in Asia; the Loveless Church at Ephesus, the Persecuted Church at Smyrna, the Compromising Church at Pergamos, the Corrupt Church at Thyatira, the Dead Church at Sardis, the Faithful Church at Philadelphia and the Lukewarm Church at Laodicea.
Then, in a vision, Jesus revealed to John the Throne Room of Heaven.
“1 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.” (Revelation 5:1)
Now, the Lord addresses the scroll held by God who sat on the throne. Unlike modern books made of bound pages, scrolls were made of individual pages that were rolled up and sealed. This scroll contained seven pages which would be unrolled in succession as each seal was loosed.
“2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it.” (Revelation 5:2-3)
Because its content was so valuable, the scroll could only be opened by the Son of God, Jesus. No man, woman or angel could loosen the seals and open the scroll, only the Lord was worthy of opening the scroll which contained the things to come that led to the end times.
“4 So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. 5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” (Revelation 5:4-5)
Exiled and persecuted, John wept at the fact no one would be found worthy to open and read the scroll, and that the future would remain concealed until God willed the scroll should be opened and its content revealed to mankind. As he wept, John was reassured by one of the twenty-four elders, that Jesus was found worthy to open the scroll and loosen its seals.
“6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb 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. 7 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.” (Revelation 5:6-7)
Lastly, amidst the throne, the four all seeing living creatures and the twenty-four elders, John saw the Lamb of God, a vision of Jesus who was slain for the sins of man. IT was He who was chosen to loosen the seals and open the scroll which would reveal future events to come. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant John,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through your revelation delivered by your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
