Scripture
The Lamb Opens the Scroll
1Then I saw a scroll[1] in the right hand of the one who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll, and it was sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?” 3But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it.
4Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. 5But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne,[2] has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
6Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit[3] of God that is sent out into every part of the earth. 7He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. 8And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9And they sang a new song with these words:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10And you have caused them to become
a Kingdom of priests for our God.
And they will reign[4] on the earth.”
11Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. 12And they sang in a mighty chorus:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing.”
13And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power
belong to the one sitting on the throne
and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
14And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.
Translation notes (4)
- 5:1 Or book; also in 5:2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9.
- 5:5 Greek the root of David. See Isa 11:10.
- 5:6 Greek which are the seven spirits.
- 5:10 Some manuscripts read they are reigning.
11Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders.
It is only natural to talk about and celebrate the things we love. Our favorite sports team, hobby, workout program, or television show is bound to come up in conversation with others. These things occupy so much of our thoughts and time that we want to tell others about them. As much as we enjoy our favorite sports team, hobby, workout program, or television show, there is Someone who deserves to be talked about much more than any of these things: the Lord. According to Revelation 5, the angels truly understand this.
In the study of angels and the God who created them, one thing becomes abundantly clear: angels are worshipers of God. This can be seen in Revelation 5. In this chapter, the apostle John had a vision where he saw a sealed scroll. John was distraught because it appeared that no one was found worthy to open the scroll. In this vision, suddenly a lamb appeared, representing Jesus, and was able to open the scroll. Ultimately, this vision revealed that Jesus was the only One found worthy to open the scroll. As the scrolls were opened, John and everyone around him began to worship Jesus, represented by the Lamb in this vision. As they worshiped, suddenly, thousands and millions of angels began worshiping too. These angels exclaimed that Jesus was worthy to receive all glory and honor.
Picture these thousands and millions of angels worshiping Jesus. Can you imagine such a sight? By nature, angels are worshipers of Christ. They have the privilege of praising Him for His glory, honor, and power.
Revelation 5 is a reminder of the holiness of Christ. He alone is worthy of our attention, affection, and worship. He truly deserves all of the glory, honor, and power. These angels in Revelation 5 set a beautiful example for us. We can follow their example and commit to live a lifestyle of worship to praise Christ, the One truly deserving of all of our worship.
Moving Toward Action
When you consider your life, are you consistently living in such a way that declares Christ's glory, honor, and power? Are you worshiping Him with your life? Take a moment to journal. As you journal, answer this question: How can you live your life this week in worship to God? Maybe you can tell someone about how He has worked in your life. Maybe you can set aside time to worship God in song, listening to your favorite worship song. Maybe you can spend time outside, worshiping God for creating the beautiful creation you see all around you. Whatever you decide, join with the angels and live a life of worship this week.
Going Deeper
Read Revelation 5:1-14 (NLT)
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