Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
hi Susan, well I’ve read thru 5 twice now. I wondered what was on the scroll. But it seems, at verse 9 since the Lamb is the only one worthy to open the scroll, it must be the Deed of ownership of all believers. That is very reassuring.
hi Susan, well I’ve read thru 5 twice now. I wondered what was on the scroll. But it seems, at verse 9 since the Lamb is the only one worthy to open the scroll, it must be the Deed of ownership of all believers. That is very reassuring.
Hi Deborah in the next couple of chapters the seals of the scroll are open by the Lamb and we learn more about it. I find it surprising that John “wept and wept and wept” (v.4 The Message) when no one was found worthy. He must have felt it was very important that the scroll be opened, perhaps because it ushers in the consummation of all things.
Interestingly Jesus is portrayed as a sacrifical Lamb v.6 when he is also the lion of Judah v.5. The Jews expected the Messiah to a conquering warrior instead he was a passover lamb.
Hi Deborah in the next couple of chapters the seals of the scroll are open by the Lamb and we learn more about it. I find it surprising that John “wept and wept and wept” (v.4 The Message) when no one was found worthy. He must have felt it was very important that the scroll be opened, perhaps because it ushers in the consummation of all things.
Interestingly Jesus is portrayed as a sacrifical Lamb v.6 when he is also the lion of Judah v.5. The Jews expected the Messiah to a conquering warrior instead he was a passover lamb.
v.8 tells us that the elders are holding bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.
In Chapter 8 we will hear what happens to the incense but for now it is being collected waiting for the right time. Our prayers are not wasted but often we have to wait before we see the results.
v.8 tells us that the elders are holding bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.
In Chapter 8 we will hear what happens to the incense but for now it is being collected waiting for the right time. Our prayers are not wasted but often we have to wait before we see the results.
I have been told by Catholic friends, this is why they use incense in church.
So far this is all new to me. I am enjoying reading the chapters slowly and over and over, because there is so much to take in.
Another thing that strikes me is how at the end of the chapters there is a similar song and elders fall down and worship.
Will this be what our life will be in Heaven?
I have been told by Catholic friends, this is why they use incense in church.
So far this is all new to me. I am enjoying reading the chapters slowly and over and over, because there is so much to take in.
Another thing that strikes me is how at the end of the chapters there is a similar song and elders fall down and worship.
Will this be what our life will be in Heaven?
Hi Deborah, I didn't know that was why Catholic used incense – so it is a reminder of what happen to their prayers?
I also enjoy reading this way, though it is also a challenge because I generally read fast.
I'm not sure what heaven will be like. Biblical descriptions seem to vary. I don't think Revelation is intended to describe heaven. I think these last two chapters are meant to convey the awesomeness of God and the fact that God is in control no matter what. Several of the churches mentioned in chapters 2 & 3 were facing persecution and needed to be reassured that God was still on the throne despite all apperances to the contrary.
Hi Deborah, I didn't know that was why Catholic used incense – so it is a reminder of what happen to their prayers?
I also enjoy reading this way, though it is also a challenge because I generally read fast.
I'm not sure what heaven will be like. Biblical descriptions seem to vary. I don't think Revelation is intended to describe heaven. I think these last two chapters are meant to convey the awesomeness of God and the fact that God is in control no matter what. Several of the churches mentioned in chapters 2 & 3 were facing persecution and needed to be reassured that God was still on the throne despite all apperances to the contrary.
I've heard John's vision described as a huge painting where John barely knew where to begin describing it. It has also been described like scenes from a action movie. Both images convey the idea that it is hard to put into words on a page.
I've heard John's vision described as a huge painting where John barely knew where to begin describing it. It has also been described like scenes from a action movie. Both images convey the idea that it is hard to put into words on a page.
v.5-6 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders.
"See the Lion…then I saw a Lamb." So often we expect God to come to us as a Lion – powerful, roaring, intimidating but so often he comes as a Lamb – to forgive, cleanse, restore.
v.5-6 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders.
"See the Lion…then I saw a Lamb." So often we expect God to come to us as a Lion – powerful, roaring, intimidating but so often he comes as a Lamb – to forgive, cleanse, restore.
v.13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:b“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power,bfor ever and ever!”
Everyone is involved not just those who like to be expressive.
v.13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:b“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power,bfor ever and ever!”
Everyone is involved not just those who like to be expressive.
v.12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
Seven attributes that the Lamb is worthy to receive – power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honour, glory, praise
v.12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
Seven attributes that the Lamb is worthy to receive – power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honour, glory, praise