After witnessing the heavenly worship session, John saw a scroll in the right hand of the one seated upon the throne— the One who lives for ever and ever (Revelation 4:10). This scroll was adorned with writing on both sides and was securely sealed with seven seals.
Then he saw a mighty angel who, in a resounding voice, declared, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll” However, neither in the heavens, nor upon the earth, nor beneath the earth could anyone be found who possessed the capability to open the scroll or even glance upon its concealed secrets. John, overcome with sorrow, wept profusely, for it seemed that no one worthy enough could be found to unlock the scroll and unveil its contents.
Similar to the stone tables that bore the commandments that God gave to Moses, the scroll had writings on both sides. Reminiscent of the scrolls from the prophecies of Ezekial (Ezekial 2:9-10), Daniel (Daniel 12:4) and Isaiah (Isaiah 29:11) there is still no one deemed worthy to open and read its contents.
The application of a wax seal historically served as a testament to the authenticity and integrity of significant ancient records. Additionally, the number seven holds symbolic significance representing a sense of completeness or fullness.
Although we do not know what this scroll contains but many believe that it encapsulates God’s plan for judgment and redemption, a revelation only revealed and executed by Jesus. John is greatly disturbed by the mighty angel’s proclamation and weeps uncontrollably that no one will ever be able to open the scroll.
The Lamb of Judah
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.
Revelation 5:5 (NIV)
At the centre of the throne room, John beheld a Lamb that appeared as though it had been sacrificed. The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders all surrounded the lamb which had seven horns and seven eyes, perhaps symbolizing the strength and awareness it possessed over all of God’s creations.
The slain Lamb approached the One seated on the throne and took the scroll from His right hand. Jesus is initially introduced by one of the elders as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. However, as John turned to look at Him, he instead saw a wounded Lamb. Is Jesus an all-conquering lion, or is He a slain lamb?
The lion symbolizes strength, majesty, and dominion – characteristics befitting the King of kings. On the other hand, the lamb denotes meekness, humility, and a position much lower within the natural order.
Yet, it is through this apparent paradox that the true depth of Jesus’ redemptive mission is revealed. His conquest was not achieved by military victory but through His sacrificial offering. Just as lions are renowned for their courage, the Lion of Judah displayed unmatched bravery in willingly assuming the form of a humble lamb.
In His act of humbling Himself and serving humanity, Jesus rightfully claimed the privilege to take hold of the sacred scroll. His unique ability to handle and comprehend its contents stems from His role as the slain Lamb – the one who, through His ultimate sacrifice, has procured our salvation.
The Ultimate Worship Team
Jesus approached the throne and took hold of the scroll from the right hand of the Almighty. As this momentous act unfolded, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders reverently prostrated themselves before the Lamb. Each of them held a celestial harp, while holding golden bowls filled with incense – a representation of the heartfelt prayers offered by God’s faithful followers.
They sang a new song in unison as the Lamb was deemed worthy to open the seals of the scroll. At this moment John heard others join in with their songs of praise.
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”Revelation 5:11-14 (NIV)
The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
The purpose of our existence, as ordained by God, is to worship and commune with Him. Adam was created with the sole purpose of engaging in daily communion with God in the Garden. However, as a consequence of succumbing to sin, he became separated from His divine presence.
All is not though as it is revealed in the Scriptures that a new and fully renewed heaven and earth will be established, where righteousness will prevail and Christ’s saints will reign (Revelation 21:1, 4; 2 Peter 3:13).
Some might think that they are called to lead worship sessions in their church or spearhead voluntary work among the less fortunate in their community. As individuals, we are indeed called to make His name known among the masses, but that is not the purpose of our lives.
Our ultimate purpose is to engage in everlasting reverence for the Creator and establish an unbroken connection with the Almighty. Similar to the awe-inspiring scene that John witnessed in the heavenly throne room, our duty is to worship our Lord ceaselessly, embracing every opportunity that arises.
Worship, in its essence, transcends mere rituals and encompasses living a life devoted to Christ. Romans 6:10 highlights the importance of dedicating ourselves to a life that reflects the standards set by Jesus. Therefore, true worship lies in aligning our thoughts, actions, and behaviours with the teachings of Christ and is the ultimate purpose of our existence.
Discussion Questions
- What does the scroll symbolise and why was it sealed?
- Is Jesus an all-conquering lion or a slain lamb?
- What is the purpose of our existence, why were put on this earth by God?
- How can we worship God constantly while still living on this earth?
The Jordan Valley 
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