Revelation Lesson 2, Part 1 - The Cycle Begins

When we come to chapters 4 till 8 of the book, we begin to see a grand landscape of breathtaking visions. It is also a new section in the book which reveals the terrifying events that will occur in the future. This is the main section of the Apocalypse.


Observation
Chapter 4 describes the Throne Room in majestic splendour, where all creation, represented (4:7) by the lion (mightiest of all wild animals), the ox (representing all tame animals), human (mightiest of all creation) and the eagle (mightiest of all birds). Correspond this with Ezekiel 10. They all fall down and cry "Holy, holy holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come."




It must be noted that although the church is told that God reigns in majestic splendour, His Son is depicted as the Lamb that was slain. Jesus triumphed through his obedience and death, so this is how his followers are expected to triumph as well (12:11). The Lion is a Lamb who redeems humankind through His suffering.


Observations
If Chapter 4 describes the atmosphere in the Throne Room, then Chapter 5 brings us to the matter at hand. There is a scroll. On the scroll was 7 seals. This scroll is an authoritative and important document which contains the judgements and redemption as seen in later chapters. In short, the scroll contains God's eternal plan for the universe.

Now, the scroll cannot be read until all its seven seals are opened. Since the scroll contained the judgements and redemption (refer para above), it may also be the scroll that was sealed in Daniel 12:4. And also an allusion to the scroll the Lord handed Ezekiel in Eze 2:9.

And in all creation, no one was found worthy to open the scroll. John wept. Then behold, the Lion and Slaughtered Lamb was identified as the Worthy Scroll-Opener, and a new song was being sung in heaven! The 24 elders and 4 creatures worshipped the Slaughtered Lamb, followed by myriad of myriads of angels, followed by every creature in creation. Progressive worship.




The handing over of the scroll from Father to Son shows that all authority has been given to Jesus. The prayer of the saints (believers) play an important role in the Lamb's opening of the scroll and the ensuing judgement (8:1-6) We shall see in the next chapter the content of the seals.



Food for thought: One comment that popped up was..."If this is what heaven's going to be like, it'll be a very boring place!". I think this sums up what a lot of people believe today, Christians and non-Christians alike. The modern view is that if we are going to wear crowns and long white robes playing harps all day, then we are better off with the attractions on earth, thank you very much. So we are "compelled to" choose the temporal pleasures over eternal joy.

Is this what you are struggling with? Like a good detective, I urge you to continue investigating God's word, because they not only have answers for those questions, but also a grander perspective that will change you.


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