Revelation Devotional

Daily Devotion in Revelation 5

Revelation artwork from a 1611 KJV

Artwork from a 1611 KJV

 

Daily Nugget:
After the real church is raptured to Heaven, other events will happen around God’s throne. A “book” will be presented. A scroll was opened.

There will be a big question concerning who will open the book. John wept because there were none found worthy to open it (Revelation 5:3) when he had a sneak preview of what will happen. Then a man (Revelation 5:7) will step forward that was qualified to open it. His titles included the Lion of the tribe of Juda and the root of (King) David. The qualified “man” will be Jesus!

The “book” will be a scroll sealed with seven seals. It is similar to the way redemption contracts were prepared in biblical days. A scroll was written on, rolled up, secured with a wax seal, rolled up some more, sealed again, and continued to be rolled and sealed until seven seals were put on the document. This was a redemption contract that was given to Jesus. The song in verse nine indicates that Jesus was slain and redeemed the believers residing in Heaven at the time.

In the Old Testament days, if a wife, a slave, or land were up for “sale” because of debt, there was a law providing a way that their debt could be bought back and paid for. The first opportunity of paying off the debt was given to a near relative, an uncle, or closer kin. He was known as the kinsman-redeemer. If the kinsman-redeemer appeared, he could pay the debts.  He was given a seven-sealed scroll and would open the scroll, breaking all seven seals publicly.

Jesus is the only qualified kinsman-redeemer. The Son of Man is a close relation to mankind. His payment of blood on Calvary was sufficient to open the seven-sealed book He took from His Father’s hand (Revelation 5:1).

The church is the bride of Christ (John 3:29). Jesus is qualified to redeem His bride. We were slaves to sin, and He is qualified to redeem us. The land was lost to sin as it was cursed because of the iniquity of Adam and Eve. He is also qualified to redeem the Earth.

No wonder there will be great rejoicing around God’s throne room (Revelation 5:1-14). Finally, the only qualified redeemer of those that have been grasped by sin will officially redeem them. Jesus will step forward to break the seals of the scroll. He is our kinsman redeemer!

Today’s Thought: 
“In unfailing love, God leads people He has redeemed.” — Author Unknown

Today’s Reading:
Revelation 5
1 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.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5 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.
6 ¶ 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.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 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.
9 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;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 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;
12 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.
13 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.
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.