Revelation 5:1 – 7 “Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it. And I began to weep bitterly, because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look inside it. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And He came and took the scroll from the right hand of the One seated on the throne.”
What is important about a scroll with writing on both sides that has been sealed with seven seals? Scrolls were made by connecting several sheets of papyrus together. If there wasn’t very much information to be written, the writing would be only on one side. But when the writing was extensive, both sides of the papyrus sheets would be used. Barclay explains the sealing of the scroll: “(a) When a roll was finished, it was fastened with threads and the threads were sealed at the knots. The one ordinary document sealed with seven seals was a will. Under Roman law the seven witnesses to a will sealed it with their seals, and it could only be opened when all seven, or their legal representatives, were present. The roll may be what we might describe as God’s will, his final settlement of the affairs of the universe.
(b) It is more likely that the seven seals stand simply for profound secrecy. The contents of the roll are so secret that it is sealed with seven seals….to make quite certain that no unauthorized person could possibly open it.”
“And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it. And I began to weep bitterly, because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look inside it.” The mighty angel is making this announcement so that Jesus will be fully and completely revealed. John wept because he wanted so much to know what the scroll said and he wanted so much for God’s perfect will to be carried out. Those involved in intercession frequently find themselves begging God to fully reveal Himself because they are hungering and thirsting for righteousness. Sometimes, an intercessor might groan because words are so inadequate.
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals. Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And He came and took the scroll from the right hand of the One seated on the throne.”
Who is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David? Jesus, the Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Isaiah 11 speaks of the Messiah as the Root of Jesse. John the Baptist was quoted in John 1:29 as saying, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” When the Jews were making sacrifices, they selected a perfect lamb to be the sacrifice for sin. Jesus laid down his life for the sins of the whole world; this is why He is described as the Lamb of God. In Revelation, the Lamb has seven horns and seven eyes representing the seven spirits of God sent out into the whole earth. Remember that seven is considered the number of perfection, representing the Holy Spirit who has been sent out into all the world. And Jesus came and took the scroll. Jesus alone was – and is – worthy!
Why is Jesus portrayed as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah? The name “Judah” means “praise.” King David came from the Tribe of Judah and Jesus was descended from King David on His human side. In Bible times, lions were praised for their courage and for their qualities of leadership. Traditionally, the lion was considered the King of Beasts.
As Jesus was God made man, both fully human and fully divine, so He was also the Lamb of God and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah at the same time. Is it possible to completely explain these apparent contradictions? No. But is it necessary? Again, no. It is enough that we realize that Jesus was and is the One who has sacrificed his innocent blood once and for all so that all those who put their trust in Him will be saved from their sins. Come, let us adore Him!
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we don’t understand every thing about your nature, but we thank you and praise you and bless you for who you are! Thank you for loving each of us so much that you have died for us! Thank you for the hope you give us if we will only put our trust in you. Help each person who reads this devotional to strive to know you as Savior and Lord, Master and King. In your mighty and precious Name. Amen.
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