REVELATION · Day 3 of 21
The Lamb and the 7 Seals
1 · READ THE TEXT
Revelation 5:1-14
Revelation 5:1-14
Open in the reader →1And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 6And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 11And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
2 · UNDERSTAND
Nobody in heaven, on earth or under the earth is worthy to open the sealed scroll, and John weeps bitterly. Then he is told: "the Lion of the tribe of Judah has triumphed". He turns to see the Lion — and sees a Lamb, standing, as though it had been slain. It is the most important inversion in Scripture: the power that governs history is the power of sacrifice. The Lamb is worthy not through force but because he was slain and purchased for God people "from every tribe, language, people and nation". Everything that follows only makes sense this way: the one opening the seals of history is the risen Crucified.
3 · REFLECT AND ANSWER
Read the text again and answer calmly. Your answers are kept only in this browser.
- 1.What does this text reveal about who God is?
- 2.What does it show about people — and about you?
- 3.What will you do differently today because of it?
4 · LIVE AND PRAY
Practical application
Where have you been trying to win by shouting today? Try the Lamb's way: serve, yield, absorb the cost. Write down what happens.
Lesson prayer
Worthy are you, Lamb who was slain. Teach me to conquer as you conquered, not as the world teaches. Amen.
Completed: 0 of 21 lessons
The Journey is part of Premium
Get site Premium to open the 21 lessons of this plan. Day 1 stays open for you to try, and reading the Scriptures stays free.
Sign in — free account