The Seven Seals: God's Sermon (Rev. 6)

[Sung Psalm: 89]

In chapter 5 there was a problem! Even in heaven there is a problem! Why is there a problem in heaven? Because there is no one who is worthy to open the scroll.

God is holding in his hand a document that contains his purposes for history. But in order for this document to be opened, someone else must open it.

Indeed, as Psalm 89 suggested, it must be the Son of David – the one who God called as his firstborn. But the problem – as Psalm 89 also showed us – is that the sons of David failed.

There must be one among the sons of David who will be found worthy! And so John wept. Indeed, John wept loudly. If no one is worthy – then we are all doomed!

But now Jesus – the Lion of the tribe of Judah – has triumphed! The Lion who has become the Lamb who was slain...

"And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne." In other words, Jesus now has authority to implement the Father's book – to put into effect the plans and purposes of God for all of history!

Each of the sevens in the book of Revelation function as a proclamation of the Word of God. Seven seals – seven trumpets – seven bowls. And each of the sevens proclaim what will happen in between the ascension of Christ and the final judgment. In other words, in the heavenly liturgy, God's sermon consists of all of history. Your life – your sufferings – even your death – is all a part of God's purposes for history.

So – now we are ready to hear what is in this scroll. What is in God's sermon?