Jesus, Our Redeemer-Ruler, Is Sovereign from Beginning to the End of

October 30, 2020

Jesus, Our Redeemer-Ruler, Is Sovereign from Beginning to the End of Time

Revelation 5

Melissa McDonald

Central Truth

When sin entered the world, God began working out His plan of salvation through His Son, the slain Lamb. Jesus alone is worthy to reconcile us to God, and He alone has the authority to judge those who refuse Him.

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 Scroll and the Lamb

1 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?” 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. 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.”

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.

Have you ever wondered or been asked why God doesn't deal with the evil all around us? Since Genesis 3, man has longed for something to be done about wickedness and for righteousness to prevail. Many have greatly mistaken God's patience in judging sin for His tolerance, His approval of sin, His weakness, or even His non-existence.

John believed God would fulfill His promises and purposes in the end, but he weeps in despair as the call of the angel for the worthy one to open the scroll in the Father's right hand goes unanswered. One of the 24 elders tells John to "stop weeping" because the only One with power and authority to open this book and execute all it contains has arrived! Jesus, the Lion of Judah, has finally come to take His throne and destroy those who have rejected Him as the sacrificial Lamb. Why does it take so long for this rightful heir to bring an end to suffering? 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

Revelation can be read as a great comfort or as a dire warning. I am comforted knowing the wrath I deserve was taken by Jesus on the cross. I will stand and worship the slain Lamb with the risen Church, thousands of angels, and all creation. The warning is for those who reject the revealed truth of God and the generous salvation offered through His Son.

It's also a warning to those who sit in the pews believing they are secure but have not put their trust in Christ for salvation and also think the judgments described in Revelation 6-16 won't occur. They believe in a tolerant god who doesn't call man to repent and yield to truth. Or a god who allows them to define right and wrong, male and female. They worship a god of their own making, not seeking or knowing the God of the Bible. The honest question is no longer, "Why doesn't God do anything about evil?," but "Will you be standing with Him or against Him when He does?"

1. If you believe Jesus Christ patiently waits for more to believe, how do you hold onto hope and persevere in a world ruled by unrighteousness? Read Romans 8:18-25 for Paul's explanation.

2. How does reading Revelation adjust your perspective of what day you are living for? Today that is seen or the day unseen revealed to John?

3. Does Revelation 5 create an urgency in you to share your faith with loved ones who refuse the gift of salvation through Jesus, knowing the wrath they will face? Proverbs 24:11 says, "Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter."

4. Listen to Revelation Song by Kari Jobe (sung by Shane & Shane) for another way to meditate on this passage.