THE SEALED BOOK AND THE WORTHY LAMB(YOUTHS)
YOUTH SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES LESSON 971
Ref: Deeper Life Ministry, search of Scripture, Vol. 75, Lesson 971.
Text: Revelation 5:1-14
MEMORY VERSE: “And 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” (Revelation 5: 9).
The vision revealed to Apostle John in this chapter is connected with what he had seen in chapter four, so chapter five begins with “And”. This chapter begins with the Almighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth seated on the throne with a book, a scroll sealed with seven seals in His Hand. The understanding of this chapter is crucial to the series of events which will begin to take place in the chapters that follow. The content of the book, the seven-sealed book, written within and on the back side was not known to John or to any other man or the angel.
To know the content of the mysteries written in the sealed scroll, it must be unsealed, unrolled, revealed and read. When the scroll was written, rolled up and sealed, it was sealed with seven seals. A seal was a device, often made with wax and having the imprint pushed upon it, which forbade an unauthorised person from opening it. Once broken, such a seal was impossible to repair perfectly. So this sealed book had never been opened. Its opening was important in the revelation of future events. This made John to weep when no one was found who could open the book. And the angels with all the redeemed and all creatures in the whole universe burst into a shout and song of praise and worship when Christ, the Worthy One appeared, “took the book,” ready to open and reveal its content.
- 1.THE SYMBOLIC MEANING OF THE SEALED BOOK.
Revelation 5:1; 19:4; 21:5,6; Isaiah 6:1; Daniel 7:9,13,14; Ezekiel 2:9,10; Daniel 12:14; Jeremiah 32:6-14; Revelation 6:1,3,5,7,9,12; 8:1,2,6,7,8,10,12; 9:1,13; 11:15; Isaiah 29:11,12.
“And I saw in the right Hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the back side, sealed with seven seals” (Verse 1). Apostle John’s eye was opened to capture a sealed book in the hand of God Almighty who sat on the throne. The scroll was sealed seven times – completely, perfectly sealed, so that no one except someone worthy and qualified might open it. Many things in the book of Revelation are symbolic.
In ancient Roman period, a will was usually sealed seven times so that unauthorised person would not be able to look into it. Also contracts or title-deeds of land or inheritance were written and sealed in the same way. The content of the contract would be written inside in details and the summary would be written outside the scroll. To reclaim the inheritance, the qualified person who was to redeem it would have to open it in the presence of witnesses. An example of this is seen in Jeremiah 32:6-14.
“The earth is the LORD’S and the fulness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). “O Lord, thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11). By creation and redemption, the Lord has the right of ownership on the earth. Since Satan was cast down to the earth as a result of sin (Isaiah 14:12-17), the world had been under his control. He therefore showed “all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them” to Christ and said it had been delivered to him (Matthew 4:8,9; Luke 4:5-7). Satan, the usurper, is called the god and the prince of this world (John 12:31; 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4). The earth must be reclaimed from Satan, demons and men who have usurped God’s ownership. The unrolling of the scroll reveals how Christ, the Worthy One, takes back what rightfully belongs to Him. During the Great Tribulation, the seals of the scroll will be broken and the contents will be revealed as God pours His fury and wrath upon the world, the Antichrist and Satan. When the seventh angel sounds his trumpet, which is the last event contained in the breaking of the seventh seal then “great voices in heaven” will proclaim that “the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ and He shall reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his” (2 Timothy 2:19), This is a divine seal that cannot be broken; and the reason He said “…Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity”. There should be no excuse or claim of ignorance, irrespective of your denomination or religious background. The verdict is unchangeable, He wants every Christian youth to live a life that is approved of God.
- THE SEARCH AND SELECTION OF THE WORTHY ONE.
Revelation 5:2-7; 22:16; 11:1-5,10; 6:8; Romans 11:33,34; 8:20-23; 15:12; Lamentation 1:15-17; Genesis 49:9,10; Numbers 24:9; Hebrews 7:14; Jeremiah 23:5,6; 50:34; John 1:29,36; Habakkuk 3:3-6; Zechariah 4:10.
“And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” (Verse 2). The proclamation of the strong angel shows the importance of the heavenly search. This proclamation was made to all, in search of someone worthy to open the book.
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?…” (Isaiah 6:8). There is a search by God today and all you need to do as a worthy child is to respond: “Here am I; send me”. To rescue the perishing, care for the dying and pull them out of the mire of sin, the youths need to be converted, consecrated and be filled with passion for souls.
“And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon” (verse 4). No one was found worthy to examine and to open the sealed scroll. And John wept! He wept because if no one was found, the earth would continue in the hands of the usurper, the curse would not be reversed and Satan would have everlasting dominion and victory. Were it not for Christ, the worthy One, John and the whole of the human race would weep in despair forever. “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting…” (Romans 8:22,23). “Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” (verse 5). The Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David are titles for the Messiah. Christ has power to open the seals and to rule over the universe, bringing all people and all things under His control. His being called the Root of David connects Him with the great and glorious king of Israel.
“Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow…” (Lamentations 1:12). Christian youths are expected to show concern for the state of the sinning youths and relations around them. Make frantic efforts to ensure they are saved. By doing this, we shall be co-labourers with Christ (Romans 9:1-3).
“And 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” (verse 6). There are many things distracting the attention of youths in this generation which is preventing them from seeing the glorious things of God. If they can be focused like John then they will get a lot of divine revelation. “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psalm 119:18). When John looked up to see the worthy One, he saw Him as a Lamb, “as it had been slain” (sacrificed for the sins of all) yet standing (risen from the dead) “having seven horns (the fullness of power) and seven eyes (perfect and complete knowledge) which are the seven Spirits of God (The Holy Spirit in the fullness of His perfect operations) sent forth into all the earth”. Christ, the Lamb that was slain is the Lion, the mighty Conqueror, the King of kings with perfect strength and wisdom to judge Satan and sinners and establish His universal Kingdom. The great culminating act of Christ is in verse seven when He came as the Lamb and took the sealed scroll from God’s Hand, heaven broke forth in a song of praise and worshipped Him, the worthy One.
- WORSHIP OF THE WORTHY LAMB
Revelation 5:8-14; 19:4; Matthew 2:11; 14:33; 28:9; Luke 24:52; Hebrews 1:6; 13:15
The glorious discovery of the person and worthiness of Christ to take and open the book after a long search received universal praise, worship and adoration. “And 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” (verse 8).
“And 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” (verse 9). Believing youths are expected to form the habit of praising God in the beauty of holiness not in frivolity. This must be done in unity with other believers in schools, fellowship, Church and at home. “Saying 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” (verse 12).
“And 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” (verse 13). It is worthy of note that the whole redeemed, raptured Church will sing in worship of our Redeemer – Lamb in heaven. We shall sing a new song melodiously in harmony, to the Redeemer. With harps, the redeemed and angels shall spend eternity praising and worshipping the Redeemer and the Great God on the Throne. Where will you be at this time? Prepare yourself in holiness of life for this glorious experience.
“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). To be part of this glorious experience, sinning youths must realise their sinfulness, repent and be forgiven all sins through faith in the atoning blood of Christ. The blood of Jesus cleanses from all pollution of sins and makes it possible to live a holy life (Revelation 5:9; 1 John1:7; 1 Peter 1:15,18).
QUESTIONS:
Question 1: What is the symbolic meaning of this sealed book or scroll?
Question 2: Why did John weep and what can you learn from that attitude?
Question 3: What is the significance of what John saw in verse 6 of our text?
Question 4: What should be our attitude when our desires are met?
Question 5: How can sinning youths be part of the redeemed?
