A Scroll
"Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside." (Revelation 5:1-4 - New International Version)
John now notices that resting in the open hand of God is a scroll. There are different opinions on what this scroll represents.
Some suggest that it is a record of the events described in the rest of Revelation. This means that John wept when the scroll could not be opened simply because he wanted to know the future. To me this interpretation does not fit the context. It does not explain why John wept.
A better interpretation is that this scroll is the Title Deed to the physical universe. There is writing on both sides indicating that nothing can be added. It is the deed to all things.
The scroll is sealed with seven seals. A sealed document could only be opened by a person with the authority and right to open it. This Title Deed was given to Adam, but because of the fall, Satan gained possession of it. The only One who could open it is the One who paid for the redemption of the universe.
At the prompting of a great angel, the universe is searched for this One. No angel, no man, no animal, no demonic power was found who could redeem the universe, who could redeem mankind.
So, John wept because of the lost and hopeless condition of man. Mankind had sold himself to the devil and could not redeem himself. What an awful picture this presents of the hopeless state of man when he seeks to save himself. We are unable to rescue ourselves from the power and dominion of Lucifer.
John now notices that resting in the open hand of God is a scroll. There are different opinions on what this scroll represents.
Some suggest that it is a record of the events described in the rest of Revelation. This means that John wept when the scroll could not be opened simply because he wanted to know the future. To me this interpretation does not fit the context. It does not explain why John wept.
A better interpretation is that this scroll is the Title Deed to the physical universe. There is writing on both sides indicating that nothing can be added. It is the deed to all things.
The scroll is sealed with seven seals. A sealed document could only be opened by a person with the authority and right to open it. This Title Deed was given to Adam, but because of the fall, Satan gained possession of it. The only One who could open it is the One who paid for the redemption of the universe.
At the prompting of a great angel, the universe is searched for this One. No angel, no man, no animal, no demonic power was found who could redeem the universe, who could redeem mankind.
So, John wept because of the lost and hopeless condition of man. Mankind had sold himself to the devil and could not redeem himself. What an awful picture this presents of the hopeless state of man when he seeks to save himself. We are unable to rescue ourselves from the power and dominion of Lucifer.
posted by David Frank Wilson | 4:32 AM
2 Comments:
David
I never gave much attention to
John weeping over the unopened
scroll, however, since the verse
does not explain the reason I can
only assume that we should be able
to identify with Johns emotions.
Your explanation that he some-
how understands that this is the
title of the universe, is a real
stretch. The universe is not now
or ever has been in jeopardy.
Besides, even if he had known
the contents of it as we all now
know, he would have most likely
wept because this extremely peice
of prophetical revelation would
never be sharred with Gods
people.
Phil.......
Thanks for your comment Phil. I am not alone in my opinion on what the scroll represents. Warren Wiersbe in his commentary on Revelation, "Be Victorious" takes the same position. Although others, such as Albert Barnes, agree with you.
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