Revelation, Day 2 Readings

The Sealed Scroll & The First Six Seals  

Today's first reading takes place in the throne room of heaven, where John sees that someone seated on the throne holding a scroll sealed with seven seals.  And there is a question of who can open the scroll, which overwhelms John, who fears that no one can.  Then John sees a lamb who has been slaughtered -- which represents Jesus who was crucified as a sacrifice -- who has the power and authority to take and open the scroll.  When the lamb takes the scroll, he too is praised by the throne room chorus, just as God is praised.

Read Revelation 5:1-14  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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The second reading describes the calamities that befall the earth when each of the first six seals is opened on the scroll.  These are the first punishments that the earth receives, unleashing violence among people, terrible famine and plagues, and darkening the sun, moon, and stars.  Even with all of this destruction, there will still be years of suffering before the final judgment, according to the rest of John's vision in Revelation.

Read Revelation 6:1-17  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Revelation 5-10 today.