As the Apostle John was caught up into heaven, he saw the Throne of God –

“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. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. So, I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it.” – Rev. 5:1-4

The question is ‘Why did John weep?’ I believe it was because John knew in the Spirit it contained the conclusion of man’s history – the revelation of the future of man. Mankind cannot fulfill his deepest desires for prosperity or a peaceful conclusion to his destiny in and of himself. All the greed, wicked desires, and violence among men would be doomed to continue with no hope. This is enough to make any thinking human weep. But, in the midst of this despair an elder spoke to John –

“Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals. 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, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.”

What relief. What joy. There is hope for mankind – it is found in Jesus. Only Jesus is worthy. He is the Lion of Judah – the Coming Deliverer, and the Root of David – the source of all authority to rule. As Scripture proclaims, He is the ‘root’ into which we are grafted.

“And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree,” – Romans 11:17

“That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,” – Ephesians 3:6

He is in the ‘Midst of the elders’ because He is the Head of the Church. The fact that He has 7 eyes, and 7 horns represents the fullness of God’s power and authority that are in Him. Later another lamb will appear and try to fool men into thinking he is Messiah but, he will only have two horns –

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.” – Revelation 13:11

This lamb is a fake, the ‘false prophet’, and he speaks like the dragon – his father!

As God created heaven and earth and mankind according to His determined purpose, so their destiny is predetermined and recorded in the scroll which He holds in His right hand. This scroll in the hand of God is shut up and sealed; it is known to none but himself, till he allows it to be opened. Known unto God, and to him alone, are all his works, from the beginning of the world; but it is his glory to conceal the matter as He pleases. The times and seasons, and their great events, he hath kept in his own hand and power.

Man thinks history is an accidental happening based on his own plans and actions but, this revelation unveils the real Author of man’s destiny – it is HIStory! Troubles, wars, shakings to our comfortable lives concern us greatly and fear often guides our actions but, the Elder has an answer to us as he did to John – “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” 

All God’s plans for man are sure, solid as rock, and they will come to pass. Jesus will open the seals. As we work through the seals and their outcomes, some may despair and be fearful but, remember God is in control and to those who cast themselves on His mercy will not be disappointed though our lives may be rearranged.

That is why prophesy is so important. It is like a snapshot of the history God has ordained given to His people so they may be prepared. It is like a candle to those walking in a darkened world so they may see the way. There are many prophesies coming forth in our day and each needs to be judged by us as the Church. We need to heed their words and to pray about them for by them God is warning of His coming plans. I will include here just one such prophesy from a modern prophet, Chris Reed.

Now to continue on with John’s revelation –

“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 odors, which are the prayers of saints. “– Revelation 5:8

God has invited us to be partakers of the unveiling of His highest plans. As we study God’s prophetic words, they are guideposts to direct our prayers which add sweet aroma to the works of God. Even in this we are made partakers with God.

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” – 1 John 5:14, 15

What blessings have been bestowed upon us through Jesus – we have been transported from the earth to heaven and made ambassadors of the Highest –

“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” – Revelation 5:10

No wonder why we should join enumerable angels to proclaim –

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. 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 honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sits 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 5:12-14

No one who reads Revelation chapters 4 and 5 can have any doubt that God will not share these glories with those who are half-hearted, or lukewarm, in their walk with Christ on this earth. As we proceed to chapter 6, Christ will begin to open the seals and it will become clear that we are already living in these days. Now is the time to let the ‘water of the word’ cleanse us and energize us to follow hard after Jesus.

“… as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” – Ephesians 5:25-27

You are invited to an un-imagined future if you are willing. All you have to do is repent of your past waywardness and invite Jesus into your life. He will send His Holy Spirit to you to cleanse away every spot, wrinkle, or blemish and make you presentable to the Father.

Selah