Back to the Future (Part 7)

John has been given a glimpse of the throne room in heaven, and he sees all creatures great and small worshipping and praising the One who is sitting on the throne. When we come to the 5th chapter of Revelation, John is caught up with the joyful atmosphere when a problem arises in heaven - there is a book or scroll that no one is able to open. This scroll is very important, because it is a legal document, a deed or contract to the earth. The one who is able to open the seven seals is the trustworthy executor of this document, to put in place what has been predetermined by God the Father. We read that John begins to weep because no one is found worthy to open this document when given the opportunity. Why the great anguish on John's part? (Notice, all of heaven are not weeping but praising) Without the final judgment upon the earth. the church is left unprotected in the bitter hours of trial and judgment. There is no future judgment for sin nor any triumph for the believers in Christ. For a short moment in heaven, things look very hopeless.

John does not have to weep long, because we read that Jesus Christ, the Lamb, the One who has overcome death and hell, steps forward to take the book from the hand of the Father and takes His rightful place to begin to execute the promised judgment upon the earth. In verse 5, one of the elders tell John that the "Lion from the tribe of Judah" has prevailed. This word in the Greek is "nikao" where we get our English word "nike", meaning victor. He is called the Lamb who is seen "as if slain" but He is standing. This One received a mortal wound, and yet now lives and is the Champion of all heaven and earth. As Jesus takes the scroll, and soon begins to peal back each seal that will bring judgment upon the wicked and vindication for His saints, the sound of praise and worship rings throughout heaven. When you chose to side with the One and only True and Living God, Jesus Christ, then your future will be less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close with Christ.