Jesus Takes the Scroll - from Revelation 5

A regal and powerful angel stepped forward and thundered in a loud voice “who is worthy to open the scroll and who is entitled to break its seals?” All of heaven, all of earth, and everything under the earth remained silent. No one anywhere had the power or legal standing to open the title deed to the earth and to consummate her prophetic and final destiny.

Just when John had lost hope that the earth would ever be redeemed, one of the elders pointed him to the triumphant Lion of the tribe of Judah, and the root of David!

John saw Jesus Christ the Lamb of God standing before the throne. He appeared as a sacrificed lamb, with seven horns and seven eyes which are the Spirit of God.

As John watched, the Lamb took the scroll out of the right hand of the Ancient of Days. This scroll was a formal token that conveyed to Jesus His universal title deed and eternal dominion.

Immediately, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders prostrated themselves before their king. They played their harps and they held bowls of fragrant incense which are the prayers of the saints. Indeed, the prayers of the saints hold a reverent and special place in the proceedings. Not only are the saints in the room, but their prayers are also—alive and active. This ceremony is filled with honor. Not only is the King crowned, but his royal entourage is lifted up and the fragrance of her prayers become mingled in the atmosphere and upon the vestments of the royal court.

A great release of joy now breaks forth as a new song. This song is born in the moment. This occasion is singular, and the spontaneous praise is unique to those who are present on this day when prophecy converges upon the One that has been hidden and hailed in every punctuation mark of Scripture.