[Linux4christians] Revelation 5 (Thursday)

[Pastor David]

Sorry for the delay from last night - continuing Internet
challenges here.  PD

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*Revelation 5 (Thursday)*

*Commentary*

“The Opening of the Scroll
5:1 Then I saw in the right hand of the one who was seated 
on the throne a scroll written on the front and back and 
sealed with seven seals. 5:2 And I saw a powerful angel 
proclaiming in a loud voice: “Who is worthy to open the 
scroll and to break its seals?” 5:3 But no one in heaven or 
on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or 
look into it.”

[Note:  It is apparent that the One on the throne is not 
Jesus, which is a clarification of the lack of specificity 
in the earlier chapter.]

“5:4 So I began weeping bitterly because no one was found 
who was worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.”

[Note:  The “scroll” contains the necessary instructions to 
move through the final stages of the fulfillment of the 
redemption of the children of God.  The One Who may open and 
read it must have met the requirements of the Law on behalf 
of those to whom the scrolls content applies.]

“5:5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, 
the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has 
conquered; thus he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
5:6 Then I saw standing in the middle of the throne and of 
the four living creatures, and in the middle of the elders, 
a Lamb that appeared to have been killed. He had seven horns 
and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out 
into all the earth.”

[Note:  The word-picture varies but the theme is consistent. 
  The “seven” are the “churches” to whom Jesus was speaking 
through the “seven spirits” in the earlier chapters of 
Revelation.]

“5:7 Then he came and took the scroll from the right hand of 
the one who was seated on the throne, 5:8 and when he had 
taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the 
twenty-four elders threw themselves to the ground before the 
Lamb. Each of them had a harp and golden bowls full of 
incense (which are the prayers of the saints).”

[Note:  Note that “... the prayers of the saints”, all 
believers, are collected by God.]

“5:9 They were singing a new song:
“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals 
because you were killed, and at the cost of your own blood 
you have purchased for God persons from every tribe, 
language, people, and nation.”

“5:10 You have appointed them as a kingdom and priests to 
serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

[Note:  Their “reign” does not begin until a while later in 
the process, see Rev. 20:4, and lasts for 1,000 years.]

“5:11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels in a 
circle around the throne, as well as the living creatures 
and the elders. Their number was ten thousand times ten 
thousand – thousands times thousands – 5:12 all of whom were 
singing in a loud voice:
“Worthy is the lamb who was killed to receive power and 
wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and praise!”
5:13 Then I heard every creature – in heaven, on earth, 
under the earth, in the sea, and all that is in them – 
singing: “To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise, honor, glory, and ruling power forever and ever!”
5:14 And the four living creatures were saying “Amen,” and 
the elders threw themselves to the ground and worshiped.”

*Interaction*

*Consider* the gathering-up by God of our prayers; He values 
them greatly.

*Discuss* the awe and reverence for God by all beings.  Note 
that Jesus allows Himself to be worshiped, therefore He must 
be God; yet another affirmation of the Trinity.

*Reflect* upon consistency of God; a Messiah was always 
necessary once God pronounced the curse and the provision of 
redemption in the Garden.  He is our only intercessor.

*Share* an example of a moment of awe which caused you to 
stop and worship Him.

*Truth in Action*

Today I am choosing to pause and to pray several times, 
knowing that God not only hears my prayers, but that He 
gathers them up together with those of all “saints” (believers).

*Be Specific*  _____________________________________


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Friday's text will be: Revelation 6
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Have an http://Ultrafidian.com Day!  Pastor David
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Senior Pastor (Interim) Bethel Missionary Baptist
http://bethelstatesboro.org (new site pending)
Bible Commentary & Daily Reflection-Action-Devotional
http://bibleseven.com/b7/b7studies.html
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