Revelation 5 The Scroll and the Lamb
5 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 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.”
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits[a] of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign[b] on the earth.”
11 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. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!”
13 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 honour and glory and power, for ever and ever!”
14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Reflection
She had Alzheimer’s disease. Her memory had ceased to function meaningfully years earlier. My visits to her were brief; she didn’t recognize me, and she would forget our visit before I reached the door. But she remembered the hymns she had learned in her younger days and she could ‘name that tune in 3’! When I would start to sing, her face would light up. Some days, she would even join in.
Music has a strong influence on our minds and souls. It accompanies our celebrations and frames our longings and sorrows. Just a few notes can remind us of an event from years ago or of someone we have loved.
The Bible is full of music. The Old Testament contains repeated calls to sing to the Lord, to praise God for his marvellous works. And in the vision recorded in Revelation we see God’s people joining in “a new song” of unparalleled celebration for God’s finished work. Jesus, the Lamb, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll representing God’s plan for history and salvation. The song is “new” because the full scope of Jesus’ work is finally visible.
Old songs about God’s past goodness leave a good, deep impression. But God’s work of renewing creation will prompt us to sing anew long after memories of other things fade.
Lord Jesus, you are worthy. You are the Living One. Your resurrection has brought new life to a dying creation. Give me words, too, to join in the chorus of praise to you. In your powerful name, Amen.
We join with the angels as we come to worship the Lord who is worthy.
We bow before his throne.
We join with all living creatures to worship the Lord who is worthy.
We bow before his throne.
We join with the worldwide church to worship the Lord who is worthy.
We bow before his throne.
We join with those who have gone before us to worship the Lord who is worthy.
We bow before his throne.
Amen.
O Lord our God, we praise and exalt you, for you lift us out of the depths of sorrow and pain:
O Lord our God, we called to you for help and you heard us.
O Lord, you bring us up from fear of the grave; you spare us from fear of death.
We sing to you Lord, we praise your holy name, for your anger lasts only a moment, but your favour lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Lord, you turn our wailing into dancing and you clothe us with joy, that our hearts may sing to you and not be silent.
O Lord our God, we will give you thanks forever.
Amen.
Suggested listening Come, let us join our cheerful songs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzDGkCb-5OY Glory in the Highest to the God of Heaven! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpJ6jHPKavk Holy, holy (Nathan Fellingham) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWbubW6-yfg
