Jesus and the Tribulation: Who Is Worthy?

He saw a scroll.  1-4

1 I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a ^bbook written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. 4 Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; 5 and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”

The description of the scroll 1 held in His right hand, written on both sides, sealed with 7 seals

I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a ^bbook written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals

The significance of the scroll Hebrew culture was a title deed; it represents the forfeiture of inheritance that was lost in Adam.  When Adam sinned, we lost it all.  Land has to be worked to produce a crop.  Animals have to be penned and separated from men and other animals.  People must have laws and rules to govern still people commit crimes against one another.  People are spiritual separated from God.

The dilemma surrounding the scroll. 2-4

The question of the strong angel. Who is worthy?

2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?”

The concern of John.

3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. 4 Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it;

He saw the Savior.  5-7

5 and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.” 6 And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. 7 And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

He heard the songs of heaven. 8-10

8 When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10 “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”

They heard the songs of the redeemed.

While all creation worships the Lamb and the One on the throne, only the redeemed can worship Him ultimately and completely because they alone have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

The participants are the 4 Living Creatures and 24 Elders. 8

8 When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints

The instrument of the prophet is the harp.  1 Sam. 10;5; 2 Kings 3:15. God ordained that in the sounding of notes that His Spirit would move, some have misunderstood what Paul said about making melody in your heart to the exclusion of certain or all instruments.  Instrument music preceded the prophetic word in the OT and will be present in heaven.

The instrument of the priest is the bowl of incense.  God has ordained prayer in His worship. Here in heaven we see the prayers of the saints being offered in worship.

The praise of the 4 LC and 24 Elders is a new song. 

9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10 “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” 

He heard the shouts of all creation. 11-14

11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, 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 might and honor and glory and blessing.” 13  And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” 14 And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.

He saw the expression of heavenly worship.

Its focus was on God.

Its foundation is on Scriptural truth.

It’s filled with spiritual passion.

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