The Throne of God—Prophetic Gallery SeriesShembull

The Lamb Takes the Scroll  

Thoughts on the Passage

We see the picture of how the scroll and the seven seals are introduced. In many senses, the scroll is the important thing—it determines so much.  However, we hear almost nothing more about this scroll after today’s reading. Everything is focused on the seven seals. Today, we will look at the scroll and why it is so important.

This whole throne scene is focused on the scroll—and that only Jesus, the slain Lamb, can take it and open it. Opening the scroll opens up heaven for mankind (see the end with chapter 7). Only the death of Jesus enabled this scroll to be opened. 

What opened up for mankind with the death of Jesus? Eternity with God—we call that the kingdom of heaven. In many ways, the scroll is the deed of heaven (the document that determines who will be allowed into heaven). I have included the story of Jeremiah and the transfer of land—by a scroll with seals. Jeremiah received the land because he had a deed of ownership—the scroll with the seals. When he would claim the land, he would break the seals and his ownership would become fully established.

No person can open the scroll held by the hand of God. We cannot pay the price to assure our right to heaven. No one but Jesus can claim the scroll because only He could pay the price. He did—He was the Lamb who was slain.

Jesus is revealed as a slain Lamb and the Lion of David. These two pictures are important. The lamb at Passover stopped the angel of death from destroying God’s people. Jesus did this. Jesus is the Lion of David. This fulfills God’s promise that the Messiah would come through Judah and David. It is fulfillment of key promises from God.

Again, we have the seven-fold Spirit of God present. This time He is fully connected to Jesus, the slain Lamb. The death, resurrection and perfect nature of Jesus is connected to the indwelling of the Spirit of God. That is why Jesus promises that the Spirit of God present in us is all we need to live the life that God wants us—if we allow the Spirit to do it. 

Just like Jesus.

Prayer

Father, nothing could allow me into heaven accept the death of Jesus for my sin. Nothing. Nothing I can do. Nothing anyone else can do. Nothing else that You would do. As You waited for the death of Jesus, all of heaven was waiting. Once the death of Jesus was accomplished, the door was opened for me and for the rest of mankind. Today, I thank You for making a way available. Thank You that it is for me and all mankind. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for Jesus. Thank You. In Jesus' name. Amen.