The Triumph of the Lamb: Revelation's Message of Hope

 

Summary

In the book of Revelation, we witness a profound tapestry woven from the threads of both the Old and New Testaments. This intricate connection is essential for a full understanding of the sacred Scriptures. Revelation, with its vivid imagery and themes, echoes the Old Testament, culminating in the triumph of Christ and His kingdom over evil. In Revelation 4, John is granted a vision of heaven's inner sanctum, where he sees a throne surrounded by twenty-four elders and four living creatures, reminiscent of Ezekiel's vision of God's chariot throne. This imagery underscores the continuity between the Testaments, highlighting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament.

As the vision unfolds, John sees a scroll in the hand of the One on the throne, sealed with seven seals. This scroll, written on both sides, symbolizes God's judgment and revelation. The dramatic tension builds as no one is found worthy to open the scroll, leading John to despair. However, hope is restored when an elder reveals that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed. This imagery draws from the patriarchal blessing in Genesis and the promise of a king from the line of Judah, ultimately pointing to Jesus, the Messiah.

Yet, when John turns to see the Lion, he beholds a Lamb as though it had been slain. This paradoxical image of strength and sacrifice encapsulates the essence of Christ's mission. The Lamb, representing Jesus, is worthy to open the scroll because of His sacrificial death and victory over sin. The heavenly hosts respond with a new song, celebrating the Lamb's worthiness and His redemptive work for people from every tribe and nation.

This vision assures us of the Lamb's ultimate victory and His promise to share His glory with His people. Regardless of one's interpretive stance on Revelation, the central message remains: the Lamb has triumphed, and His glory is our hope.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Interconnectedness of Scripture: Revelation's imagery and themes are deeply rooted in the Old Testament, emphasizing the continuity and fulfillment of God's promises. Understanding this connection enriches our comprehension of the Bible's overarching narrative. [00:32]

2. The Scroll of Revelation: The sealed scroll symbolizes God's judgment and revelation. Its dual-sided writing signifies the depth and completeness of God's message, echoing Ezekiel's vision and underscoring the seriousness of divine judgment. [06:06]

3. The Worthiness of the Lamb: The search for one worthy to open the scroll highlights the unique worthiness of Christ. His sacrificial death and resurrection make Him the only one capable of revealing God's ultimate plan. [14:24]

4. The Paradox of the Lion and the Lamb: The imagery of the Lion of Judah and the Lamb that was slain captures the dual nature of Christ's mission—strength through sacrifice. This paradox challenges us to see power in humility and victory in suffering. [17:35]

5. The New Song of Redemption: The heavenly song celebrates the Lamb's redemptive work, uniting people from every nation. This vision of worship invites us to join in the eternal praise of the Lamb, who has secured our salvation and future glory. [19:25]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:32] - Revelation's Old Testament Roots
- [01:08] - John's Vision of Heaven
- [02:33] - The Four Living Creatures
- [03:10] - Echoes of Ezekiel
- [04:44] - The Heavenly Throne Room
- [06:06] - The Sealed Scroll
- [07:32] - The Search for Worthiness
- [09:47] - Dramatic Tension in Heaven
- [12:05] - The Lion of Judah
- [14:24] - The Worthy Lamb
- [17:35] - The Paradox of Power
- [19:25] - The New Song of Heaven
- [21:33] - The Lamb's Victory
- [22:51] - Our Participation in Glory

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Revelation 4:2-11
2. Revelation 5:1-14
3. Ezekiel 1:4-28

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the key elements of John's vision in Revelation 4, and how do they relate to Ezekiel's vision of God's chariot throne? [03:10]

2. In Revelation 5, what is the significance of the scroll being sealed with seven seals, and why is it important that it is written on both sides? [06:06]

3. How does the imagery of the Lion of Judah and the Lamb that was slain in Revelation 5:5-6 illustrate the dual nature of Christ's mission? [17:35]

4. What is the response of the heavenly hosts when the Lamb takes the scroll, and what does this signify about the Lamb's worthiness? [19:25]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments, as seen in Revelation, enhance our understanding of God's promises and their fulfillment? [00:32]

2. What does the search for someone worthy to open the scroll reveal about the unique role of Christ in God's plan of redemption? [14:24]

3. How does the paradox of the Lion and the Lamb challenge our understanding of power and victory in the context of Christ's mission? [17:35]

4. In what ways does the new song of redemption sung by the heavenly hosts in Revelation 5:9-10 reflect the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work? [19:25]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the interconnectedness of Scripture. How can you deepen your understanding of the Bible by exploring the connections between the Old and New Testaments? [00:32]

2. The scroll in Revelation symbolizes God's judgment and revelation. How do you respond to the idea of divine judgment in your personal faith journey? [06:06]

3. Consider the paradox of the Lion and the Lamb. How can you find strength in humility and victory in sacrifice in your own life? [17:35]

4. The heavenly hosts sing a new song of redemption. How can you incorporate worship and gratitude into your daily routine to celebrate Christ's redemptive work? [19:25]

5. The Lamb's victory assures us of sharing in His glory. How does this promise influence your perspective on current challenges or struggles you face? [22:51]

6. How can you actively participate in the eternal praise of the Lamb, as depicted in Revelation, within your community or church? [19:25]

7. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy or inadequate. How does the worthiness of the Lamb encourage you to trust in Christ's sufficiency for your life? [14:24]

Devotional

Day 1: The Tapestry of Scripture's Unity
The book of Revelation serves as a profound tapestry that weaves together the threads of both the Old and New Testaments. This interconnectedness is essential for a full understanding of the sacred Scriptures. Revelation's vivid imagery and themes echo the Old Testament, culminating in the triumph of Christ and His kingdom over evil. In Revelation 4, John is granted a vision of heaven's inner sanctum, where he sees a throne surrounded by twenty-four elders and four living creatures, reminiscent of Ezekiel's vision of God's chariot throne. This imagery underscores the continuity between the Testaments, highlighting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament. Understanding this connection enriches our comprehension of the Bible's overarching narrative. [00:32]

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek to understand the connections between the Old and New Testaments in your personal Bible study this week?


Day 2: The Scroll of Divine Revelation
In Revelation, John witnesses a scroll in the hand of the One on the throne, sealed with seven seals. This scroll, written on both sides, symbolizes God's judgment and revelation. The dual-sided writing signifies the depth and completeness of God's message, echoing Ezekiel's vision and underscoring the seriousness of divine judgment. The dramatic tension builds as no one is found worthy to open the scroll, leading John to despair. However, hope is restored when an elder reveals that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed. This moment highlights the unique worthiness of Christ, whose sacrificial death and resurrection make Him the only one capable of revealing God's ultimate plan. [06:06]

"And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?'" (Revelation 5:2, ESV)

Reflection: What areas of your life do you need to surrender to God's judgment and revelation, trusting in His complete and perfect plan?


Day 3: The Worthiness of Christ
The search for one worthy to open the scroll in Revelation highlights the unique worthiness of Christ. His sacrificial death and resurrection make Him the only one capable of revealing God's ultimate plan. When John turns to see the Lion, he beholds a Lamb as though it had been slain. This paradoxical image of strength and sacrifice encapsulates the essence of Christ's mission. The Lamb, representing Jesus, is worthy to open the scroll because of His sacrificial death and victory over sin. The heavenly hosts respond with a new song, celebrating the Lamb's worthiness and His redemptive work for people from every tribe and nation. [14:24]

"And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.'" (Revelation 5:9, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you celebrate and acknowledge Christ's worthiness in your daily life, especially in moments of doubt or despair?


Day 4: The Paradox of Power in Christ
The imagery of the Lion of Judah and the Lamb that was slain captures the dual nature of Christ's mission—strength through sacrifice. This paradox challenges us to see power in humility and victory in suffering. The Lamb, representing Jesus, is worthy to open the scroll because of His sacrificial death and victory over sin. This vision assures us of the Lamb's ultimate victory and His promise to share His glory with His people. Regardless of one's interpretive stance on Revelation, the central message remains: the Lamb has triumphed, and His glory is our hope. [17:35]

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you embrace the paradox of strength through sacrifice in your own life, especially in your relationships and daily interactions?


Day 5: The New Song of Redemption
The heavenly song in Revelation celebrates the Lamb's redemptive work, uniting people from every nation. This vision of worship invites us to join in the eternal praise of the Lamb, who has secured our salvation and future glory. The Lamb's ultimate victory and His promise to share His glory with His people is a source of hope and assurance. This new song of redemption is a call to worship and a reminder of the unity and diversity of God's kingdom. [19:25]

"And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth." (Revelation 14:3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the spirit of this new song of redemption into your worship and daily life, celebrating the unity and diversity of God's kingdom?

Quotes


One of the things that I love the most about the book of Revelation in the New Testament is the way in which this book incorporates so much of the themes and the content and the images from the Old Testament. And as we said at the very beginning of this series, From Dust to Glory, that for us to have a full comprehension of the sacred Scriptures we have to immerse ourselves in the whole scope of biblical revelation, become familiar with the Old Testament as the Old Testament reaches its fulfillment in the pages of the New Testament. [00:00:07]

If you remember the vision that the prophet Ezekiel saw of the whirling merkabah, the chariot throne of God that appeared in the sky -- that the description of what Ezekiel saw by the River Chebar is almost identical to the vision that John is having of the interior in the heaven when he sees the staging of judgment, where the throne of God, the chariot throne of God surrounded by the sea of glass and where this thundering and lightning and all the rest is emanating from the midst of it, and the four figures of the eagle, and of the lion and of the ox or the calf and of a human being are displayed; and not only that, the figures having eyes just like the chariots of God. [00:03:20]

And then we read, "The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying 'Holy, holy, holy.'" Here's Isaiah six. Here's what Isaiah saw when he saw the Lord high and lifted up, and the glory filled the place where He was. And he sees the six-winged seraphim singing their antiphonal response, the trisagion, the three times holy, "'Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!' [00:04:25]

And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals." So he sees a person sitting on the throne having a scroll, and you know that the Word of God was written on scrolls, or parchment, in the ancient world and then they were rolled up. It's like the Dead Sea Scrolls that were found in the decade of the forties. But it was customary in antiquity for these Sacred Scrolls to be written only on one side, and it's extraordinary that a scroll would be mentioned having writing on both sides of it, on the back and on the front. [00:05:58]

Now John is witnessing all of this as it's unfolding before his eyes and he says in verse two, "Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?'" You know one commentary on the book of Revelation argues that the literary form of Revelation is not an epistle, it's not a homily, it's not a symbolic history, but that it is written in the ancient form of the theatre. That it is a drama that unfolds in several acts, as it were. And with that drama comes the tension of conflict and of suspense. [00:07:39]

Verse three, "But no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. And so I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it." So all of the tension of anticipation comes crashing into profound disappointment. [00:09:50]

But then one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep, for behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.'" Talk about a roller coaster of emotions. Here is John, joyous anticipation, going to see the scroll opened, plunging into the depths of despair when nobody is found worthy, and now the elder whispers in his ear, "Don't cry. Don't despair. There is one who's worthy for behold the Lion of Judah has prevailed, the one who has come from the root of Jesse." [00:14:52]

Now beloved, if you don't know the Old Testament, it's meaningless, but John knew the Old Testament. He knew what that image of the Lion of Judah referred to all the way back to the book of Genesis, to the patriarchal blessing that Jacob gave to his sons. The promise of the kingdom went to the tribe of Judah, and Judah, the son of Jacob, was known as the "lion's whelp," and so he would be the king. But the king that is referred to here is the One who is in the decadency of David, out of the seed of Jesse. [00:15:28]

And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain." Let me stop right there. He's waiting for this magnificent beast, the lion, in the fullness of its strength, to come and open the scroll, but when he turns to see the lion, he doesn't just see a lamb, but he sees a lamb as it had been slain. He sees a lamb that had been slaughtered. He doesn't see a figure of power. He doesn't see a symbol of exultation. He sees the suffering servant of God in His humiliation, in His passion, in His meekness as the sacrifice for the people of God. [00:17:24]

Do you remember when we talked about how songs were composed in the Old Testament to celebrate a new victory that God performed for His people? The Song of Moses, the Song of Deborah, and now we have the New Song that is composed by the saints in heaven as they come with the bowls of the prayers of the people of God, those who had been crying from behind the altar, waiting for their redemption. Now they begin to sing a new song to this Lamb. [00:19:25]

"Worthy is the Lamb to receive honor and glory, dominion and power and majesty," so that now the whole host of heaven is singing the praises of the Lamb as the Lamb now appears in heaven to receive His reward, to receive His throne because He has fulfilled His mission. He did what He was sent into the world to do. He accomplished His vocation. [00:20:34]

You see, it does matter if we find the key to the comprehensive interpretation of this book, whether it's preterist, futurist, historical or ideal; but the good news is, we can take any one of those positions and still get this message: the one thing is certain is that the Lamb has prevailed and has entered into His glory and who promises to all of His people that they too will participate in His presence as He has been given the authority to open the books. [00:22:33]

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Transcript
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