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Today's Little Lift
by Jim Bullington
John writes: “I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals' And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it.” (Revelation 5.1-4).
The book of Revelation is a book of symbols. It is not impossible to understand, but it is difficult. Certainly it would not be appropriate in a column such as this to undertake the task of instructing the general public in the hermeneutical principles that apply to such an undertaking! However it is not out of place to take a small portion of the book and glory with the reader in the magnificent splendor that it portrays. Having said this, we shall proceed with the fifth chapter of this book of marvelous figures! The passage just cited ends with John weeping due to the fact that no one – no human being – was qualified to open the book held in the hand of the One seated upon the majestic throne. Since no one could open the book, it mysteries were forever sealed; for this reason, John wept!
Thankfully, the story does not end here. “But one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.' And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.” (Revelation 5.5-6). The Lion in the picture was also a Lamb! Now there is a figure, but one which is easy to understand in the context of biblical facts and events. Jesus, the descendant of David was also also the Sinless Son of God and in that sense, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (see John 1.29).
This magnificent creature, the Lion-Lamb comes to the forefront in the unfolding scene. “Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.'” (Revelation 5.7-10).
The reason for John's sadness and for his tears is soon to be erased! The mysteries that otherwise would have been hidden for all eternity are now subject to being revealed and understood. What a shame it would have been had there been no chance for understanding! “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!'” (Revelation 5.11-12).
This line, the “Worthy is the Lamb” line, is the focal point of the book of Revelation. All of heaven and earth is treated to the marvelous knowledge that Jesus is worthy! Among all living creatures, a search was made, and none was worthy EXCEPT the Lion-Lamb, Jesus Christ. So wonderful is this truth that EVERY living creature proclaimed, “Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelation 5.13) Marvel in this thought today!
Questions:
1. What human being made Jesus worthy? If none, then how did He become worthy?
2. Why was no man worthy? What would have been lost had no one been found who could open the scroll? What did this have to do with John's tears?
3. What did the fact that the Lamb was worthy have to do with the unanimous consent of all creatures to His worthy nature?
4. What does any of this have to do with the believer's adoration of Jesus Christ?
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