Revelation 5

I wept and wept. Revelation 5:4

This passage is emotionally charged. Primarily the author (John) became extremely sorrowful for not finding the one who is worthy of opening the scroll. But the Lord gave him a relief by showing him the Lamb who alone is worthy to do the job

The two words convey the message: scroll and wept.

* Scroll records God's wrath on all that are against God and His people. The first time the word scroll appears in the Bible is in Exodus 17:14 where the Lord commanded Moses to write on a scroll something "against" the Amalek. Amalek is one of the manifestations of the devil (or Satan). (Genesis 36:12) In each generation manifestations may vary but the essence, origin, and root remain the same. In the day of John the Roman empire and her rulers such as the Emperor Nero played the Amalek. In the 21st Century we see plenty of them in media such as Hollywood movies or in political area where fleshly minded politicians or political interest groups push their agenda such as restricting the freedom to preach the gospel.

* Wept. John wept and wept. The tears John shed (while in spirit) represent the longing for the justice to be done as in Jesus' parable of a widow. The woman kept coming to the judge (who neither feared God nor cared about men) with the plea, "Grant me justice against my adversary." The position of a believer (Christians of all times) resembles that of a widow. In the Bible widow is the one without a husband. The Bible describes a Christian (or a believer) as a bride married to Jesus Christ the husband. They are similar to a widow not in the sense that they 'lost' the companion with Jesus Christ, but in the sense that Jesus Christ is NOT physically with them, for they have to settle for the Spirit residing in them. While sojourning through this mundane world, as they wait for the reunion with Jesus Christ, they encounter 'troubles' just as Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!"

The two words (scroll and wept) hold the key to understanding the remainder of the John's revelations, from Chapter 6 all the way to the end. The scroll remains sealed up with seven seals. It was 'sealed' up with seven 'seals' not only in the sense that it was 'closed up', so that no one can see what is in it, but also in the sense (which is more important meaning than the first one) that it is sure to happen. One may doubt that it may not happen. Some liberalists question and even deny the existence of judgment or hell. But the wrath of God on all sorts of wickedness, even the hint of it, as recorded in the scroll is sure to come. In the day of the Apostle John it appeared that the justice fell to the ground. The power of the Roman empire looked permanent. But her existence looks that way only in human eyes. In the eyes of God the opposite is true, that is, she has already been stripped of power and glory, so that the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise belong to the Lamb who sits on the throne 'for ever and ever." Rev 5:13

Other considerations to note:

- Why is Jesus regarded as worthy to open the scroll?

** Answer - 5:9

- Who appreciates his worthiness?

** Answer - 24 elders (5:8), angels, four living creatures, and every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and all that are in them

- What is the goal of God inflicting the judgment upon the enemies of God and his people?

** Answer - to build the rule of God on earth among the righteous. 5:10

- When will he complete the work?

** Answer- it is as good as done. The decision was already made. In God's mind the transaction has already taken place. 5:10; Daniel 7:14, 27-28