Thank you for selecting this message by Dr. James Hoffman. Dr. Hoffman preaches verse by verse through the entire book of the Bible. From all of us at Living Water of Lapine here in Central Oregon, we hope that it will encourage you and feed you spiritually. And if you would like to leave a message after the sermon, our contact information is found on the sermon page where you found this sermon. Now may God richly bless you as you listen. At 3.30 p.m. on June 6th, 2007, a 21-year-old man with muscular dystrophy named Ben Carpenter drove his electric-powered wheelchair down the sidewalk of Paw Paw, Michigan. As he approached the street crossing at the corner of Red Arrow Highway and Hazen Street, A semi-truck came to a halt at the stoplight there. Ben began to cross the street from the north to the south in his wheelchair just a few feet in front of the towering truck. When the light turned green, somehow, the 52-year-old driver of the truck did not see Ben in his wheelchair. With Ben still in front of the truck, the engine roared to life and the mammoth vehicle pulled forward. When the truck struck Ben's wheelchair, the wheelchair turned facing forward and the handles in the back of the wheelchair became wedged in the truck's grill. The wheelchair kept rolling and Ben wearing a seatbelt was held into his chair. The truck driver was oblivious to the fact that he had hit the wheelchair. The truck picked up speed, soon reaching 50 miles per hour. Still, the wheelchair and Ben were pinned dangerously on the front. While the driver continued along in his own little world of the truck cab, people along the road saw what was happening. Everyone had seen the drama as it was unfolding and they saw the driver and frantic observers called 911. People waved their arms and tried to get the driver's attention. Two off-duty policemen saw what was happening and began to pursue the truck. On the road behind the truck were two new parallel lines that marked where the wheelchair's wheels rubber had worn off. Finally, after two terrifying miles, the driver pulled into a trucking company parking lot, still clueless to the presence of Ben Carpenter, pinned to the front of his truck. Thankfully, Ben was unharmed. The frightening picture of a many ton truck pushing a small wheelchair can serve as a metaphor for much of the struggles that we have in life. Just as the truck driver is in a big and powerful position, and such a person in a wheelchair is in a very vulnerable position. So we have the forces of power in life. We have the vulnerable people. To varying degrees, powerful people have control and vulnerable people are controlled by others. Power is not wrong. In fact, God gives people power and authority to use it for the good of others. But unfortunately, mankind is sinful and uses power in all kinds of selfish applications. Our passage this morning in Revelation chapter five is about the misuse of power. Tragically, the forces of power that control this world resemble this truck driver flying down the highway with a vulnerable person pinned to the grill of their 18 wheeler. Is there anyone capable to stop the truck? Today's message is titled, Can anyone stop this truck? So if you haven't done so yet, open your Bibles with me to Revelation chapter five as we continue our study through the book of Revelation. Today we open the fifth chapter, verse one reads this way. Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Now this scroll is a mystery. And I know that there are some here, and I'm probably one of them, who do not like to have a good mystery spoiled by someone who is familiar with the mystery that would tell us about it before we have a chance to read the book or see the movie. So, spoiler alert, I'm about to tell you what this scroll is. But no, wait, no, wait, actually, before you cover your ears, on the other hand, you might want to listen up because I think it'll help you understand Revelation chapter five as we walk through these verses. and it will also help you understand the rest of the book that we are studying here, the book of Revelation. The scroll that is in the right hand of God is the mystery of God. It answers questions that men have been asking for generations, which no one has been able to answer. Why can't we solve the great problems of mankind. We hear much these days of the progress that humans have made, tremendous technological advances, the wonders that science has produced. And we put a big smile on our face and pat our backs and say, we're right on the verge of perfection. Right now, we're in the midst of a presidential race, and one party is saying that we are on the verge of perfection, and the others say, no, we're not, we're far from it. And each candidate works very hard to create the illusion that your vote for them is a vote to solve mankind's problems. But when we look back on history, we find that the truly great problems, the ones that we wrestle with every day, are the same that men and women were wrestling with since the very dawn of time. The problem of war, of conflict between human beings, the problem of crime, evil, prejudice, these have always been with us. As far back in history as you can go, no one has made any advance on solving them. They are with us just as they have been since the beginning. Why can't we get a handle on these? Why can't we solve such problems? You know, the chief theological question of all time is this, what's going on here anyway? You ever feel that way? Things happen in your life, you can't understand them? They seem to be without meaning or reason. Is this world a pagan wilderness of suffering and pain where might makes right? Will there ever be justice? Will there ever be true righteousness? Vindication for all the evil that I see? Mercy? You might say with disgust, What's going on here anyway? Can anyone stop the truck? What's going on here is the question this scroll mentioned in Revelation 5, 1 answers. And all the other contents of Revelation chapter 5 is answering, can anyone stop this truck? How will God ever straighten out this mess and fulfill his promise of a golden age, when men will live in a world without war, without bloodshed, without hatred, without prejudice, without sorrow, death, tears, when all this will be taken away? How is it to be brought about? Men have been dreaming of a world at peace, a utopia on earth for centuries. But no one has found the answer. But if this scroll is not opened, all of the answers that are written on it will not come to pass. Hope is defeated. The world is rapidly degenerating into a morass of wickedness and violence before our very eyes. Now the price for Earth's redemption was paid long ago on Calvary's cross. However, the earth is still bound. It is still in the grip of the power of the evil one whose truck is pushing us down the road at increasing speeds beyond 55 miles per hour. Our actual redemption must still be accomplished. Using perhaps a closer analogy to our passage of Revelation chapter five, the situation of the yet to be redemption is as though man had purchased attractive land. And this particular man has clear title to it legally. But he's kept from occupying it because unlawful squatter has settled on it. He has to first convince the squatter to stop his unlawful behavior. In this glorious fifth chapter of Revelation, the rightful owner is preparing to finish the task of taking back what is rightfully his. The description of the scroll that we see here in the restriction of the person who can open it is exactly like a first century land deed. Legal documents were sealed, often with seven seals. imprinted with the verifications of seven witnesses. The wax seals would have to be broken to loose the strings beneath them, which wrapped the scroll and guaranteed that it had not been opened or altered until the proper person did so. The form was used for contract deeds and wills, became increasingly common in Roman documents of that period. And some Palestinian Jewish documents of this sort have been recovered today. Scrolls were normally written on only one side of the papyrus sheet, called the recto, where fibers were horizontal and easier for writing. But the scroll, this particular one, is so full and it's written on both sides. These pieces of papyrus or vellum could be as long as 30 feet. A page would be written upon, folded, signed, and then sealed with clay wax. Then the writer would proceed with the next portion of it, fold it, and then sign it by a witness, and then seal it again. And as the scroll was later then unfolded, and it could only be unfolded by its rightful heir, The seals would be broken and each section of the scroll would then be revealed. This scroll, or this title deed, reveals how the rightful heir, who does open it, will regain his rightful inheritance. We're about to see that Christ will do this by means of divine judgments, about to be poured out upon the earth. Jesus Christ created the earth, he redeemed it, and it belongs to him. The opening of the scroll of God's purpose is, it's not just about finding someone morally good enough to do this job, but about finding the rightful heir who has the authority to open the scroll in the sense of putting it into effect. The earth has been in the hands of the invader, Satan. He seized it from Adam. Today, the earth is under Satan's power and influence. He is driving the truck. Let's read on in Revelation chapter five, picking up now with verse two, verses two through four. Revelation five, verses two through four. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals? And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it. And I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it." Well, the question at this point, nevermind is, who is the rightful heir? It simply is, who is worthy to open it? Now, in some ways that might seem a little bit easier to find somebody who's worthy to open it than who simply is the rightful heir. Who among us is capable of leading us into solutions to the problems that have been with us for centuries? Who is smart enough? Who is moral enough? Who is worthy? Through the centuries, there have been many volunteers. Nebuchadnezzar in the Old Testament claimed to be able to do so. He boasted of how cleverly he had built the great city of Babylon, but his empire soon fell apart. Alexander the Great thought that he could accomplish it. At the age of 32, he wept, he actually wept, because he had no more worlds to conquer. But a few months later he drank himself to death and his empire too was gone. Julius Caesar led legions across the face of Europe and crossed the Swiss Alps and then the Tiberius River trying to establish a world in which Roman peace, Pax Romana, would be prevalent. But it too fell ultimately to the assault of barbarians from the north. Charlemagne and France tried to do the same thing, so did Napoleon, Hitler. They thought they were establishing something that would last and bring this worldwide peace, but they all failed dismally. Today we see ISIL trying the same thing. Even the best of men among us could not do it. We revere the name of George Washington and the wisdom of our first president, but he was not able to bring about world peace. Abraham Lincoln, with his mighty heart of compassion for the North and the South, was not able to solve the basic problems of humanity. Whom else should we add to this list? No wonder John wept. He wept and he wept. He says, because no one could unseal the scroll or even look inside. No one knew how to go about it. None of the leaders of the earth have a clue how to solve the issues that divide mankind and keep us from loving one another. John wept because he knew that this scroll represented the title deed to the earth and that as long as it was left sealed, Satan will continue to squat here and drive the truck at pell-mell speeds. John wept bitterly. This word wept is a very strong word in the Greek. It means an unrestrained emotion. John wept because failure to find someone to complete the earth's redemption meant that this earth in its curse is destined forever to death. But then John learns that the problem is already solved. Verse five. And one of the elders said to me, weep no more. Behold, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David has conquered so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals. Jesus gives hope. Jesus wipes away tears. Jesus is mighty to save. Jesus lives, hallelujah. Jesus is identified here as the lion of the tribe of Judah, which reminds us of the way that Jacob blessed Judah in Genesis 49, verses eight through 12. Judah is a lion's cub. He is crouched as a lion. Jesus is also identified here as the Root of David, which recalls the promise that we read in Isaiah 11, verse one, there shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse. This one, the Lion of Judah and the Root of David, which are titles for the Messiah, has conquered. Because he has conquered, he can open the scroll and it's seven seals. known the end of history, he can make all of God's promises come true. John has no more reason for his weeping. Now you and I can take a couple of things from what we've read so far. First, let's look at Jesus when we are discouraged. Maybe you're like me, maybe you watch too much news. There's a lot to be discouraged about in this world. But as we see all of the Bible's prophecy being fulfilled, and we've been looking at a lot since we have started our study in the book of Revelation and seen the fulfillment of so many specific prophecies. And because of Jesus, there is hope. This world will experience full redemption. The rightful owner is going to take repossession. Satan's truck is gonna come to a stop. Second, let's be sensitive to others and encourage others with the greatness of the power of Jesus. Let's look to Jesus when we're discouraged and let's encourage others with the truth that Jesus has conquered and he's coming back to take possession again of the earth. Now, isn't that a much better hope than politics? Doesn't even compare. What do you think of when you think of victory? God has redefined victory in Christ. If you think of a crucified Savior, dead, buried, raised on the third day, then you know what victory is. Is this victory your victory? Or are you hoping to win some other kind of victory? One of the elders calls John to look at the lion. But when John looks, he sees something entirely different. Look at verse six now. And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, I saw a lamb standing as though it had been slain with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. So John is told to behold the lion. Regularly in ancient literature, lions functioned as images of great strength, the courageous, powerful rulers of the animal kingdom. Jewish texts use the image of a lion for courage and power in general. So John turns expecting to witness a powerful hero. Instead, he sees a lamb. And the word that is used is used in the diminutive. It literally means a little helpless lamb. Lambs were the most vulnerable of the sheep and sheep were among the weakest of creatures. Now here is the central paradox of Revelation and of Christian faith in general. Jesus conquered not by force, but by death, not by violence, but by martyrdom. The lion is a lamb. The Revelation 5-6 doesn't only have the paradox of number one, a defeat that is really a conquest. It is also the paradox of number two, a slain lamb that is standing. Listen, dead things don't stand. They don't live. But Jesus lives. The paradoxes continue. Jesus is metaphorically described as a lamb, a sacrificial animal, but he has seven horns. The Bible regularly uses horns as a symbol of military might. And the number seven is used in the book of Revelation as that of completeness, totality. So here is the paradoxical image of an animal sacrifice, this meek little lamb, and yet he is endowed with the fullness of military strength. That's what the seven horns signify. Jesus came to earth the first time as a lamb. He'll come again as a conquering lion. If you do not identify with him today as the sacrificial lamb who became the sacrifice for your sin, then you will identify with him in defeat when he returns as the conquering lion. Jesus is also described as having seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into the earth. This means that Jesus has the spirit fully and it means that he is fully appraised of all that is happening. Nothing escapes his notice. Now look at verse seven. I want to prepare you, prepare to be astonished. Verse seven. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. That is breathtaking audacity. Now in verse three, we saw no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look inside of it. And yet here we have just read that Jesus marches right up to the father who was seated on the throne. Surrounded as we saw in the previous chapter by the four living creatures crying, holy, holy, holy. And in full view of the 24 elders, he takes that scroll. Crucified, dead, buried, raised. Now he assertively takes the reins of history. He stops the truck. That's what this symbolizes. Jesus takes the scroll that describes the events of the end whereby all wrongs will be set right. All injustices accounted for. All crimes avenged. He takes it from the right hand of the Father. And the Father doesn't resist him. The four living creatures don't object. The 24 elders don't stand in his way. This symbolic action shows that Jesus will take full control of history. Jesus ultimately controls your destiny. He ultimately controls the destiny of every individual on this planet. And in response to this action that begins in verse eight, it continues through the rest of the chapter. It should be our response, worship of Jesus. Verse eight, and when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth, Then I looked, and I heard around the throne, and the living creatures, and the elders, the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, worthy is the lamb who was slain to receive power, and wealth, and wisdom, and might, and honor, and glory, and blessing. And I heard every creature in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and in the sea, and all that is in them saying, to him who sits on the throne and to the lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever. And the four living creatures said, amen. And the elders fell down and worshiped. Well, the story continues on into chapter six as Jesus begins to open the scroll. But let's note here why this massive celebration by the heavenly host and the creatures of the world is taking place. Jesus has taken control of the world's destiny. Jesus takes the scroll and everyone bursts into celebration. Have you contemplated The fact that Jesus is in control of the way that your life will turn out? Have you thought about the fact that Jesus is in control of the way that your kid's life will turn out? Jesus is in control of their destiny. And we can join in this worship celebration because there is no better way for the world to be than under the control of Jesus. The great comfort of our lives is the fact that Jesus is good and that he has taken hold of the scroll. He is in control. Now here's what makes this worship scene all the more remarkable. It's the Father's silent approval of this worship given to Jesus. We don't read that the father has any objection to this heavenly host turning their eyes upon Jesus and lavishing all this praise upon him. Listen to who God says is holy and who is only to receive worship like this. Isaiah 42 verse eight says, I am the Lord, that is my name, my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. God allows Jesus here to receive glory with him. This is nothing less than stunning. Jesus walks right up to the father, lays hand on the scroll, and heaven responds by praising Jesus. And is there any way that John could have been more clearly communicating that Jesus is God, a very God, to take history and to receive worship like this. In verse eight, we read that the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the lamb. Prostration was particularly a sign of worship before gods and kings in antiquity. The Jews reserved it only for God himself. Jesus has the authority to take the commission from the Father to implement his plan for the world, the plan found in the words of the scroll. They're proclaiming the worth of the lamb. And they are saying that he is worthy to receive anything that could be given him in his honor, He will abuse no power. He will misuse no wealth. He will do good with his power and might. He will respond rightly to and is worthy of honor and glory and blessing. The scene here is of a kingdom of people who have recognized the great and glorious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. and they bow before Him in worship. Throughout the book of Revelation, there are scenarios where the curtain has been drawn back for us to peer into the realm of the eternal kingdom of God. And every time that happens, there are people, angels, and creatures worshiping Him, adoring Him, blessing Him, praising Him. It is the call of the people of God. to be a worshiping community. And here in chapter five, we see that people from every nation, every tongue, every tribe, who have been called to be worshiping our God. Now, I just have to do this. I have to throw in a quote of Jai Vernon McGee here. He says, My friend, I do not want, or I do not know why you want to go to heaven if you do not want to worship and praise him down here. That was a terrible imitation of, I apologize for that. We'll park the Bible bus right here. Listen, we deplete ourselves and our kingdom activities by the measure with which we fail to worship God. The picture that Revelation gives us is that people are called from every nation, every tongue to be this worshiping community. You know, I think if our church is known for anything, it's probably our mission zeal. I love that about our church. But let me read to you what a favorite author of mine, John Piper, has written. He's written this. Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exist because worship doesn't. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man. When the age is over and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity, but worship abides forever. Worship, therefore, is the fuel and the goal in missions. It is the goal of missions because in missions, we simply aim to bring the nations into the white hot enjoyment of God's glory. You know, everybody worships something. Everybody. and it enslaves. A very surprising source recognized this and gave a speech about it. American writer and intellectual David Foster Wallace was at the top of his profession. He was an award-winning, best-selling novelist who committed suicide in 2008. But before his death, He gave a now famous commencement address, and he said this to the graduating class. Get a load of this. In the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what? To worship. And pretty much anything you worship will eat you alive. If you worship money and things, if they are where you tap real meaning in life, then you will never have enough. Worship your own body and beauty and sexual allure, and you will always feel ugly. And when the time and age start showing, you'll die a million deaths before they finally plant you. Worship power, you will feel weak and afraid, and you will need ever more power over others to keep the fear at bay. Worship your intellect, being seen as smart, and you will end up feeling stupid, a fraud, always on the verge of being found out, and so on. But I say, and what our passage declares very clear to us today is this, worship Jesus because he is redeeming the world. He is about to make the truck stop. Let's pray.