The Bible
(Rev 5 :1ampsim7)
After showing us the seven churches, the heavenly throne, and mans responsibility for his face in Revelation, God enables us to read and understand the Bible, his instructions for us. Lets see what this holy book is.
1. Its the book that speaks for God to His spiritually illiterate people. The drama, Sejong depicts King Sejongs motivation for inventing the Korean alphabet after realizing his sins of negligence as a king instead of vaguely describing it just for people sake. God also made the Book of his kingdom for us to live a new life. It was written by 40 writers inspired by the Holy Spirit over a period of 1600 years. Reflecting their different perspectives, each writer gives a different nicknames to the Bible, such as Jehovahs book, The Book of the law, The Word of life, The Sword of the Holy Spirit, Prophets Writing, The Way of Life, Jehovahs Decree or just The Book as in Revelation. Nevertheless, the Bible has amazing consistency and unity because all of its writers were inspired by the same Holy Spirit when they wrote it. Its focus is on the fact that we cannot come to salvation by ourselves except through Jesus Christ, Son of God
2. Its the book of Gods mystery. The phrase in verse 1, 'writing on both sides' implies that not even an iota of the huge volume book can be omitted. No one can understand it before God reveals its meaning. Its called the book of mystery because it is revealed not all at once, but in accordance with the measure of our faith. While the Romans were enjoying their heyday of Pax Romana, the early Christians, composed mostly of slaves or women, endured extreme suffering from ignorance, persecution and indignity. No wonder that they compared themselves with the well-off Roman citizens despite their belief that Jesus is the only key to salvation. Despite Pauls proclamation that he was not ashamed of the gospel, we often think that the crucified Jesus actually has done nothing for us. The Bible says that God will surely bring catastrophe to Rome, the city of civilization, but of depravity and adultery. Even though the Bible spells out clearly that Rome is doomed, the people of the world cannot understand it. Thats why it is mysterious. Therefore, its no wonder that our highly-educated spouse cannot understand the book of mystery.
3. Its the book that can be opened only when we cry. Theres no other way but to cry. Neither angels nor the men of high education, nor intelligence and reason can break the seal of the scroll. Neither can Dr. Kim Yong-Ok, the Harvard graduate, whose parents are Christians even though he researches the Bible and sometimes preaches. What a miracle it is that I now interpret the Bible for many people, considering that I wasnt bold enough to talk about the Dooms day to the people around me whoever they were. Some people ask why we need to read the Bible and feel uneasy, saying 'Salvation is the only ticket to the heavenly kingdom. Thats all!' This is nonsense because the one saved by God must long for His Word. Being bored of listening to the Word means that you are not fully saved yet. Are you scared of reading Revelation? Then check your salvation. After hearing Gods voice that sounded like a trumpet, John cried because no one was able to break the seal of the Word and even paid attention to it. John cried because he was also unable to understand the Word. We need to cry first for our inability to understand the Bible and then for our families inability. In the world, we shed the tears of false accusation or grief. In church, however, we can convert them into the tears for salvation.
4. Its the Scroll whose seal can be broken only by Christ. Christ is described in two ways. The first is the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David. Judah, who slept with his daughter in law must be the head of a problem family, who cant be compared with Joseph. Nevertheless he was enrolled in the holy genealogy of redemption history through his repenting confession to Tamar, his daughter in law 'She is more righteous than I.' Thus the power of the one who opens himself in Jesus is tremendous. Some of the young people of our church have a successful interview by sharing themselves with honesty as they usually do. In Genesis 49:1, Judah is described as a lions cub he lies down quietly but grabs everything with his power, courage, and authority. No one dares to attack him when he crouches. I used to have lots of thing that scared me, but after confessing my disgrace, I was able to bring myself to confront everything. There is no special life on earth. Secondly, Jesus is depicted as a slain lamb. He judges Satan scathingly like a lion but treats his people tenderly as a lamb, even to the point of a sacrifice. Even though he was slain, he has seven horns and seven eyes representing the almighty power and insight, which will be given to those who understand the Bible and sacrifice themselves. Those who sacrifice themselves will have nothing to fear because they already know their last day. The supreme emblem of all revelation and vision is the slain lamb. He looks dead, but actually is alive a living Christ, surrounded by the four living creatures and elders. The Bible is open to those who believe in this Jesus. To unbelievers, however, it is the book of mystery. In order to break the seal of the Scroll, we need to cry, understanding the culture and situation of those we want to share the gospel. A deaconess who was ignored by her husband saw her sins and began to cry for the salvation of her husband. Thus she broke the seal. We can also break the seal by making a practical application of our QT. Then our descendants will, hopefully, do the same thing by remembering our tears.
'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.' (Rev 5:5)
