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The Worthy Lamb
Revelation 5
I. God holds a book (a scroll)
A. Written on both sides - complete, nothing can be added
1. Like the scroll in Ezekiel 2:8-3:4
B. It contains vital information, perhaps of the future
C. It is sealed with seven seals
D. But no one is found worthy to open it
1. All inclusive - Philippians 2:10
2. No one in creation, not even among the angelic host, was worthy to open the scroll. None are able to foresee future events.
3. John weeps. This is what he was invited to see, but it appears it must remain sealed.
II. But one has been found
A. The Lion of Judah, the root of David who has overcame.
1. Jesus is of the tribe of Judah - Heb 7:14
2. Being called a lion - Gen. 49:9-10
3. A root of David - an offspring of David - II Sam 7:11-14, Rom 15:12
B. But when John looks he sees a slain lamb - Isa 53:7, John 1:36
1. He is in the midst of the throne – the center of the worship
2. It has seven horns – perfect power
a. Deut 33:17 - Horns to push the people
b. Luke 1:69 - Jesus is the horn of salvation
c. It reflects Jesus’ statement - Matt 28:18
3. It has seven eyes - The spirit of God sent throughout the earth
a. II Chron 16:9; Zech 4:10 - Seeing everything
b. Sent forth into the world
(1) John 15:26 - Sent to bear witness
(2) John 16:13 - Sent to reveal the truth
III. What is the book?
A. It is something complete, which cannot be added to.
B. In Ezekiel 2:8-3:4 it is God’s word
C. But this scroll is sealed. Its content has not been made known.
D. Only the Lamb is worthy to reveal its content.
E. Eph 1:9-10 - God’s purpose (or plan) was kept as a secret (mystery) that was only made known in the fullness of time, summed up in Christ.
F. Eph 3:8-11 - This mystery was revealed through Christ Jesus
G. I Peter 1:10-12 - The prophets and even angels desired to know, but could not.
H. And now the lamb with the Spirit of God sent forth to reveal the truth - John 16:13
IV. When Jesus takes the book, he is worshiped
A. Harps (praise)
1. Eph 5:19 - Our hearts to make melody (to vibrate) to the Lord.
2. Later the 144,000 sing with the voice as harpers harping - Rev 14:2-3
B. Incense (prayers) - Ps 141:2
C. A new song is sung - a victory song
1. Ps 40:3 - A song of praise
2. Ps 98:1 - A song because of his deeds
3. Isa 42:9-10 - New events require a new song
D. The song is about the accomplishments of Christ
1. He was slain
2. He purchased the church from every nation
a. I Cor. 6:20 - We were bought with a price
b. I Tim 2:6 - Jesus gave himself as a ransom
c. I Peter 1:18-19 - redeemed by the precious blood
3. He created a kingdom of priests to reign on the earth
a. I Peter 2:9 - a royal priesthood, a chosen nation
b. Rom 5:17 - those saved reign in life through Jesus
c. Notice that it is in the past tense.
d. A fulfillment of Daniel’s vision in Dan 7:13-14
E. The angels join in the new song,
1. Too many angels to be able to number
2. Listing seven things Christ is worthy to receive:
a. Power (authority)
(1) Matt 28:18 - Jesus has been given all authority, both on earth and in heaven
(2) Col. 2:9-10 - He is the head of all rule and authority
b. Riches
(1) Eph 3:8 - to the Gentiles was preached the unsearchable richness of Jesus
(2) Col 1:16-17 - All things belong to Christ
c. Wisdom
(1) I Cor 1:24 - Christ is the wisdom of God
(2) Col 2:2-3 - In Christ is all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge
d. Strength
(1) Luke 24:19 - Jesus was a prophet mighty in deed
(2) II Cor 13:3-4 - Jesus is mighty in you though the power of God
(3) Eph 6:10 - Be strong in strength of the Lord’s might.
e. Honor
(1) Heb 2:9 - Jesus was crown with glory and honor
(2) Phil 2:7-9 - Jesus was given a name above all others
f. Glory
(1) 1 Pet 4:11 - To Jesus belongs glory and dominion
g. Blessing
(1) Rom 9:5 - Christ is over all and blessed forever
(2) Eph 1:3 - We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ
3. Much like Ps 148:7-10
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