The Lion Of the Tribe Of Judah

Revelation 5:1-14

“And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.  And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?  And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.” (Revelation 5:1-3)

God was seated on the throne, holding a book or scroll written inside and on the exposed surfaces,  sealed with seven seals to prevent it being opened before time.  As He watched, John understood that there was no person already in heaven, nor anybody alive on earth, or even among all the dead qualified to open the book and see what it held. 

“And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.” (Revelation 5:4)

John was heartbroken to realize that there was no one qualified to open the book and read it, or even to look at God’s plan. 

“And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.  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.” (Revelation 5:5-7)

One of the elders interrupted John’s crying, pointing out that Jesus Christ was qualified to open the book and the seals which kept it closed.  When John looked, he saw Jesus as the sacrificial lamb who was sacrificed for every man.  The seven horns and seven eyes which are the seven spirits represent the seven churches the Lord has placed in the world as witnesses. 

 “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.  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; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:8-10)

When the Lord took the book, All twenty four elders, and the four beasts bowed to the floor in obeisance to him.   Each one carried a harp, and a container of perfume or incense composed of the prayers of believers.  They then sang a song declaring him deserving the privilege of opening the book because he had died for the sins of every person in the world regardless of race, reconciling them to God with his blood.  As a result he has made them kings and priests who will rule on the earth. 

“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 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.” (Revelation 5:11-12)

As the elders sang, John realized they weren’t the only ones singing.  Besides the elders, there were more than a hundred million angels joining in the song, although could only describe it as millions and millions.  All of them were shouting that Jesus deserved to be the ruler of heaven and earth because of his sacrifice. 

“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.  And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.” (Revelation 5:13-14)

In addition to the millions of angels, all the birds, land animals, and sea animals were rejoicing that Jesus was to receive his rightful place a lord of heaven and earth.