AND I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals” (Revelation 5:1)
Within heaven is a throne and, on that throne, sits the sovereign King of time and eternity. His right hand symbolizes sovereign power, favor, and action (Psalm 110:1). The book written within and on the backside, though unusual, symbolizes completeness. The seven seals are complete, perfectly secure, and divinely ordered. The climax of history is written in a book and sealed with seven seals as a test of worthiness.
John the revelator couldn’t know what was written in the book, but he felt the weight of its judgment, the glory of its redemption, and the gift of its inheritance. This is God’s legal right, to reclaim the inheritance that Adam forfeited, to pass judgment, and to restore what had been lost.
This is the greatest story ever told. A story is told between the bookends of eternity, the story of time itself and it begins with the Creator God.
Genesis Chapter 1 – The Creator
In the beginning (of time), God (Elohim) created the heaven and the earth. He is the divine architect and builder of the universe without tools or raw materials. He spoke into the void, and nothing obeyed and became something.
Elohim (God) as the creator is the title of a supreme transcendent power. He is majesty, but also distant. He stands outside of creation and commands with absolute control. The sun, the moon, and the stars obey Him without question or hesitation.
Genesis Chapter 2 – The God who relates
The Elohim of creation does not change, but His title is now linked with His personal name. YHWH Elohim, the LORD God. The One who spoke the world into existence is also the One who draws close, puts His hands in the dirt and forms man. He breathes life into man, plants a garden, and puts the man in it. In the cool of the evening God appears in the garden and walks with Adam. He is relational. He wants to be known and He can be known.
Genesis Chapter 3 – The Redeemer, the God who forgives
The first three chapters set the stage for what was and is to come. The fall of man, the promised redeemer Jesus Christ, His glorious victory, and then the One who restores, redeems, and passes Judgment. He alone is worthy and His story is the ultimate Journey Through the Ages.
Remember, Elohim who holds the universe is the YHWH Elohim who intimately cares for His people. Because the Worthy Lamb has overcome, we are given a promise for the daily grind: the Lord will renew your strength.
