The book of Revelation is God’s theatrical drama, presented to the church by Holy Spirit. If you are going to understand the book of Revelation, you must read it this way. As far as I am concerned it is the greatest show on earth. Yes, it is!

In Act Two (starting at Revelation 4:2), after the church is raptured (Rev. 4:1), John is caught up into Heaven where he witnessed the church victoriously worshiping God. John saw, God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, sitting on the throne in Heaven, receiving worship and praise forever and ever. Hallelujah! The next thing that John saw as Act 2 continues in Revelation 5. Jesus holds a scroll in His right hand, which represents the legal title to rule on earth. Jesus is on the throne in Heaven, and he will rule  as King on earth.

Friends, we need to know a little more about this scroll. The scroll was made popular by the Romans in John’s Day. It was created from papyrus or animal skin.  John saw the scroll rolled tightly in the Lord’s hand, with writing on the front and back. It had the appearance of an important official document, because it had seven waxed seals bearing the mark of God. Only the authorized person designated by the King could break the waxed seal and read the King’s decree. Whatever the king said was law, there was no vote or democracy to it. If you were not the designated person to crack the seal, and you opened it, you were killed. It was automatic death.

The scroll that John saw in Jesus’ hand was a very important document because it pertained to the future. Remember, is this phase of Act 2, an angel told John that he would be shown what was going to happen. However, the revelation of the future was written on this scroll. So, the scroll pertains to what God has written down concerning the future. Do you get it? God is the only one who controls the future. He is the play writer with the script. Jesus as the Son of God is sitting on the throne, holding the future in His hands in the form of a scroll. That’s why you should not follow individuals who believe that they can control the future. No matter who they are or how much worldly control they might think they have. They are not the one sitting on the throne of the universe. They are not the King. They are not even the one designated to open the scroll to read the King’s decree. In other words, they are not Jesus. He is the only one qualified. He is the only One who holds the future. Jesus has the title deed to rule on earth. Praise His Holy Name!!!

Questions: How does knowing what God is going to do in the future affect the way you live? How does it affect the way you perceive any troubles in this life?  Can you describe anytime in your life where you fought to control circumstances and situations? How did it turn out? Does the Book of Revelation bring comfort or distress to you? Why?

Prayer: Lord, you shown us how this world is going to end. We give you control of every area of our life, help us not to take it back. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.