El rollo y el cordero

The Scroll and the Lamb: Revelation Chapter 5

The Scene of Heavenly Worship

• The discussion begins with a recap of the heavenly worship scene in Revelation 5, featuring God the Father on His throne, the 24 elders with their crowns, seven lamps representing the Holy Spirit, and four living creatures.

• A new figure is introduced: the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. This chapter emphasizes His significance in this celestial worship.

The Sealed Scroll

• John sees a strong angel proclaiming a question: "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" This scroll symbolizes divine revelation that is sealed to protect its contents from unworthy eyes.

• The seals are described as ancient methods used to secure messages, ensuring only designated individuals could access them. Each seal represents distinct content that must be revealed sequentially.

The Worthiness Question

• The strong angel's question resonates throughout creation—heaven, earth, and underworld—all hear it. It highlights a universal search for someone worthy to unveil God's plan.

• None are found worthy; not even able to look at the scroll. This profound realization leads John to weep deeply because without someone to open it, God's redemptive plan remains stalled.

John's Grief and Its Significance

• John's intense sorrow reflects his understanding that until the scroll is opened, humanity's corruption continues unabated. He perceives this as an indefinite delay in God's salvific timeline.

• His weeping signifies more than personal grief; it underscores a cosmic crisis where divine judgment cannot commence without someone deemed worthy to act.

Introduction of Hope: The Lion of Judah

• One of the elders reassures John by declaring that "the Lion of the tribe of Judah" has triumphed and can open the scroll. This title conveys Jesus' royal authority and strength as a conquering king.

• Jesus is also referred to as "the Root of David," symbolizing hope for Israel’s restoration despite historical desolation—a promise rooted in biblical prophecy regarding David's lineage.

Symbolism Behind Titles

• The titles given to Christ emphasize His power and rightful claim over creation. They reflect both His victory through sacrifice on Calvary and His role in fulfilling God's promises.

• The metaphorical language surrounding these titles connects back to prophetic visions (e.g., Nebuchadnezzar’s dream), illustrating how Christ embodies both continuity and fulfillment within God’s overarching narrative for Israel's future glory.

The Significance of the Lamb in Revelation

The Victory of Christ Over Death and Sin

• The discussion begins with the theme of Christ's victory over death and sin, emphasizing His power to conquer these forces and take away the keys of death from its ruler.

• This victory grants Christ a unique dignity, making Him spiritually and morally worthy to open the book and break its seals.

The Lamb's Symbolism

• It is crucial to note that the Lamb is described as standing, indicating life and vitality, contrary to typical depictions of a slain lamb.

• The term "slain" refers to being "butchered," highlighting the sacrificial nature of Christ’s death, which was essential for spiritual redemption.

Resurrection Power

• Despite being depicted as slain, the Lamb stands alive, symbolizing resurrection and Christ's ultimate power over death.

• The seven horns represent perfect authority; thus, this imagery conveys that the Lamb possesses complete power.

Innocence and Authority

• The term "Lamb" suggests innocence; it portrays Jesus as a gentle yet powerful figure who has triumphed over evil.

• This contrasts human strength with divine weakness—God’s perceived frailty is more potent than human might.

Role of the Holy Spirit

• The seven eyes symbolize the fullness of God's Spirit sent throughout the earth, indicating divine omnipresence.

• This relates to Pentecost when Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit as a comforter after His ascension.

Ministry During Tribulation

• There will be significant work for the Holy Spirit during tribulation despite beliefs that He will be absent; His role will adapt but remain vital.

• Ultimately, this small yet powerful Lamb embodies authority and continues sending forth His Spirit for fulfilling divine purposes.

Worship Before the Lamb

• When taking possession of the scroll, all heavenly beings worship before Him with instruments representing prayers from believers.

• Their act signifies recognition of His worthiness even before He opens or breaks any seals on the scroll.

The Spiritual Avalanche of Worship

The Scene of Heavenly Adoration

• A spiritual avalanche of worship is described, where all living beings and the 24 elders prostrate themselves before the Lamb, culminating in a celestial scene filled with reverence.

• The golden bowls filled with incense represent the prayers of the saints, emphasizing their connection to praise, music, and worship.

• These prayers are not from the church but rather from the redeemed during the Great Tribulation who cry out for justice against their persecutors.

The Plea for Justice

• The redeemed plead for God's justice due to their suffering and martyrdom, seeking divine retribution against their oppressors.

• Their prayers are integral to God's judgment on Earth, as they invoke His wrath through seals and trumpets that signify impending judgments.

New Songs of Praise

• A new song is sung by the angelic choir, which is original and spontaneous—reflecting heartfelt adoration rather than mere repetition.

• This model of worship serves as an example for the church to engage in genuine and innovative expressions of praise.

Spontaneous Worship

• Encouragement is given to seek spontaneous songs during personal or communal worship as a response to witnessing God’s miraculous works.

• Such moments create an atmosphere ripe for authentic adoration that stems from gratitude and surprise at God's interventions.

Redemption Through Sacrifice

• The celestial hymn acknowledges Christ's sacrifice: "Worthy are You" reflects His role in redemption through His blood shed for humanity.

• This act was intended to please God and fulfill divine will while highlighting that salvation extends across all nations and peoples.

Missionary Call

• Emphasis on evangelism underscores that Christ's redemptive work encompasses every tribe, language, people, and nation—a call for missionary efforts inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Climax of Angelic Worship

• A multitude of angels joins in worship around the throne; their number is described as millions upon millions—signifying overwhelming heavenly support for divine adoration.

• They proclaim loudly that "the Lamb who was slain is worthy"—a declaration affirming His authority over power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing.

The Nature of Worship and the Deity of Christ

Characteristics of Christ and His Power

• The attributes of wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise are linked to the Lamb of God who has the power to give and take life.

• Christ's humility is highlighted; though He was rich, He became poor for our enrichment. The Father has placed Him at His right hand above all things.

Eternal Wisdom in Creation

• Proverbs illustrates Christ's eternal wisdom present during creation, emphasizing that wisdom was with God as He established the foundations.

• The Holy Spirit embodies strength necessary for endurance and submission to God, deserving honor and worship from all creation.

Universal Worship

• All created beings in heaven, earth, under the earth, and in the sea are called to worship both God the Father and the Lamb (Christ), affirming their shared divinity.

• This universal adoration serves as a testament to Christ’s deity as He receives equal honor alongside the Father due to His eternal nature and divine attributes.

The Response of Creation

• When living creatures proclaim "Amen," it signals a response from the 24 elders who bow down in reverence before God eternally. Their silent worship reflects deep contemplation rather than vocal expression.

• The scene depicts millions of angels actively praising God while others engage in solemn silence before Him—showcasing different forms of worship within heaven's hierarchy.

Models of Worship for Believers

• There is an emphasis on adopting a model of contemplative worship similar to that shown by angelic beings; moments should be dedicated to silent reflection before God amidst other forms like singing or dancing when led by the Spirit.

• This balance between vocal praise and quiet contemplation is essential for personal spiritual growth within church practices today.