The vision of these two chapters overwhelms us, as image upon image collide with thunder and lightning. The sights, the sounds, the heavenly creatures... this is too much for our minds to comprehend!
The main focus of Chapter 5 is upon Jesus, as He alone is worthy to open the scroll that reveals how the world will unfold. A range of Old Testament images are used to describe Jesus; all of which show how Jesus resolves the Story of Israel. Jesus is initially described as a Lion, which draws us to Genesis 49. He is also referred to as the 'Root of Jesse' -which comes from Isaiah 11. Lastly Jesus is described as a Lamb, which again comes from Isaiah 53.
It strikes me that the first time Jesus came to earth, He acted as the Lamb; and the next time Jesus returns to earth, He will act as the Lion!
This chapter also serves as a great reminder that humanity is incapable of changing its own destiny. Our fallen state has corrupted us to the point that we are unable to fix ourselves. Certainly if we had the ability to do so, we would have already!
When you read through Revelations Chapter 5- what images, ideas, or themes stand out to you? And why? Leave your comments below...
2 comments:
In Rev chapter 5 verses 4 and 5 - one of the images I have found peculiar is John crying over the fact that noone was worthy to open the scroll. I looked up various versions to see how they translate this - some versions say "weeping bitterly", "weeping loudly", "weep greatly" or "wept and wept". But clearly the image is not a small cry and it being over, it was some very intense emotion. Why though, I wonder?
My study Bible suggests this is the reason - John wept because John thought even though the Revelation had been promised to him, he would be denied knowledge of the "divine script" because nobody would be found worthy to open it. But this explanation seems odd to me - I mean John got to see the throne room of Heaven, and so many amazing things. Why would this delay in the scroll being opened cause him to weep so much?
The one thing I can figure... is seeing all of this must have been a very emotional experience for him. We probably cannot fully imagine what it was like.
Good question Chris. Chapter 4 and 5 are connected together as this is John's heavenly vision. In 4:1 Jesus tells John that he is about to see 'what must take place.' In Chapter 5 we see that the emphasis is on the scroll -as it is referred to 5x in just 5 verses!
The technical word for 'weeping' refers to a deep seated grieving or a mourning for what is lost.
A few suggestions as to why he is weeping...
1. Maybe John is weeping because he realizes the our incapability to fix ourselves.
2. Maybe John weeps because he cannot see the contents of the scroll.
3. He could be weeping because the final kingdom of God may go unrealized.
I think that the text may give us a clue. In 5:5 one of the heavenly elders tells John not to worry, because there is one worthy of opening the scroll.
Chapter 5 tells us that God will soon demonstrate his power! We can trust that He will accomplish His plan on His time!
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