Post by GinNJ on Dec 3, 2013 22:56:09 GMT -5
REDEMPTION
The Revelation of Jesus Christ 5:1-14
The Scroll and the Lamb
Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and 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 could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.”
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”
The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
In chapter 5 of the Book of Revelation we see all of heaven worshipping Jesus as redeemer. To redeem means to release from blame or debt. We all have a debt that needs to be paid off because of our sin. Our sin and the accompanying debt separates us from God now and for all eternity. God uses the example of a property transaction in the ancient world to explain. The scroll was the title deed to the property. The scroll had writing on both sides and was rolled up. There were two copies made. One scroll was unsealed. The other scroll was sealed with a number of seals to keep it from being opened until the time of redemption. This copy was held until all that was owed had been fully paid. Now, if the party in debt couldn't pay what was owed a kinsmen redeemer could pay the debt on their behalf. The kinsmen redeemer had to be willing, able and worthy by having the right relationship to the person in debt. If an acceptable kinsmen redeemer came forth and paid off the debt the scroll could be opened and the purchase would be complete.
In this heavenly scene God's creation is the property that needs to be redeemed. We need to be redeemed. God the Father is holding the scroll in His hand as the angel proclaims that there is NO ONE worthy to open that scroll on earth...NO ONE! Brothers, sisters and friends...please do not let anyone ever deceive you into believing that you could redeem yourself or do anything to contribute to your redemption. That is a lie directly from hell. Notice the angel even added that no one is even worthy to look inside the scroll. Wow! Not even worthy to look!
As the apostle John realizes the implications for all of creation...the judgment and wrath to be administered by the Just Judge for sin...he starts to weep. But one of the elders proclaims...all hope is not lost...there is One and ONLY One who is worthy to open that scroll, pay the debt and purchase creation back. Jesus is our kinsmen redeemer!! He was willing. He was able. He was and is worthy!
And then all eyes turn to Him. The Lamb looking as if it had been slain. Did you know that, even in heaven, Jesus still bears the scars He got as He was being slain...slain for us. His scars of love...love for us. Because of those scars He was worthy to open the scroll. Because He came to earth and became man He had the right relationship to us. Because of those scars He could redeem us. And all of heaven fell at His feet and worshipped Him for it. Because HE is alone is worthy. What Jesus did didn't just cover our sins it actually took them away. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.
Many reading can understand the joy I feel in my heart as I type this. Many won't because they haven't decided to repent and place their trust in the Lamb who shed His blood to purchase them back from hell. If you are part of the former group I ask you to just take a moment and worship the Lamb...right now. He is worthy. If you are in the latter category I pray that His word will penetrate your heart and it will be opened to Him...your kinsmen redeemer.
May God's peace be yours!
"How Great Is The Love" - Paul Baloche
Thank You for the way
That You love us
How You love us
Thank You for the way
You have made us
We were created
For Your pleasure
For Your presence
For the glory of Your name
Thank You for the way
That You love us
Jesus
Faithful King
Lord with grateful hearts we sing
How great is the love
How great is the love
Of our Savior
The weight of the cross
The curse of our shame
You carried it all
And rose from the grave
How great is the love
How great is the love
Of our Savior
Of our Savior
Thank You for the grace
That has saved us
You forgave us
Thank You for the way
You have freed us
We have been ransomed
We've been rescued
We've been purchased
With the price of Your own life
Thank You for the way
That You love us
Jesus
Faithful King
Lord with grateful hearts we sing
How great is the love
How great is the love
Of our Savior
The weight of the cross
The curse of our shame
You carried it all
And rose from the grave
How great is the love
How great is the love
Of our Savior
Of our Savior
Thank You for the way
That You love us
How You love us (x3)
Thank You for the way
That You love us
Jesus
Faithful King
Lord with grateful hearts we sing
How great is the love
How great is the love
Of our Savior
The weight of the cross
The curse of our shame
You carried it all
And rose from the grave
How great is the love
How great is the love
Of our Savior
Of our Savior
Thank You for the way
That You love us