May 28: THE SCROLL

And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Revelation 5:1

John’s vision of the magnificent chamber of thrones in the heavenly sanctuary thus far has included splendorous details of the surroundings—sights and sounds—and those in attendance. The final focus in Chapter 4 is upon our heavenly Father: His eternal nature, the holiness, and the worthiness of our Lord God Almighty (4:8). The scene is set for a coronation. The ongoing acclamation, “Holy, holy, holy!” to the One who sits on the throne adds to the expectant, charged atmosphere.

In ancient Israel, a coronation ceremony took place in the sanctuary, followed by a joyful enthronement celebration in the palace throne room, the palace being the home of the king. In the heavenly setting, the sanctuary and the throne room are a single location.

As chapter 5 opens, focus is placed upon the scroll in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. It is purposefully described as a legal document written inside and on the back. In typical legal documentation, multiple seals signify a type of will. Having multiple witnesses added to the will’s validity. The scroll of Revelation is of tremendous and indescribable interest, the unsealing of which will become the focus of events to come. Sealed with seven seals designates how completely the contents of this document are safely kept until such time as they are to be revealed.

There is an Old Testament motif of the relationship between the rulership of a king and his possession of the Covenant Scroll. This scroll was the book of Deuteronomy. The first duty of the king was to make for himself his own copy and diligently study and obey it throughout his reign until his death, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left. (Deuteronomy 17:20). This scroll laid out the co-rulership of the king with God.

“Throughout the Old Testament, the Covenant Book played a decisive role in the life and destiny of the people of Israel.” Ranko Stefanovic

In hindsight, we see the destiny of Israel played out, through their own tragic choices of disobedience, as the covenant curses were sadly fulfilled. Judah followed suit.

…until the LORD removed Israel out of His sight, as He had said by all His servants the prophets. 2 Kings 7:23a

“Spiritual Israel” of the New Testament has, for the most part, followed wayward leadership, placing itself on the same downward trend. But there is yet hope for anyone who will wholeheartedly turn back to the Lord. As last day delusions intensify, there is more and more to overcome. We must learn to make a clear distinction between the straight testimony of the Lord and the deviations to the right hand [and] to the left voiced by religious and political leaders who are unwittingly under the enemy’s influence.

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29