Revelation 5
The Lamb worthy to open the scroll (Rev. 5:1-14)
Focus Verse: Revelation 5: 4-5, “4 And I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
Background:
The scene that began in chapter four continues. Whereas the theme of chapter four can be stated as “God is on His throne!”, the theme of this chapter may be called “Worthy is the Lamb!” John’s attention is drawn to a scroll in the right hand of God. Written on the inside and the back, it is sealed with seven seals.
A strong angel proclaims, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to lose its seals?” At first, there seems to be none in heaven and on earth deemed worthy to open the scroll or look at it. This prompted John to weep (1-4).
Observation:
5:2 The specific identity of the strong angel is probably unknowable; John did not reveal it. This angel's loud voice indicated his authority and the importance of what he said. One with sufficient authority was necessary to open (Gr. anoixai) the scroll and, by breaking its seals, to unleash the judgments on the world that it contained. Any prophet could have revealed this information, but it took someone with adequate power to both reveal the events foretold and to execute them.
5:3 No created being in heaven, on earth, or under the earth (i.e., no dead person) had the authority to break the seals or even to look into it in order to learn of God's plans contained in the scroll (cf. Phil 2:10). "What simpler and more sublime way of picturing God's ultimate sovereignty over all history could be found than this picture of the scroll resting in the hand of God? However strong evil becomes, however fierce be the satanic evils that assail God's people on earth, history still rests in God's hand."
5:4 John's continual weeping reflected his great sorrow that the revelation of God's plans and their execution would remain hidden because no one apparently had sufficient authority ("was found worthy") to open the scroll or to look into it. John said, “I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to into it (investigate). His weeping reflected his deep sorrow that no one would be worthy to carry out the plan of God and their execution would be hidden. "He did not want to see God's vindication of His people as a part of the OT Messianic hope deferred for an undetermined period. He knew that God could not deliver a message to a man unless there is a man to receive it.
Application:
Sometimes life circumstances, situations, or issue causes us to weep (Psalm 37:25). One thing that can paralyze us is fear especially when we feel we have no hope. When we are unsure, it is easy to let fear paralyze us. Sometimes we even choose not to decide because we think we are going to mess up. Don’t be afraid of uncertainty. There is hope!
Hope was expressed by One of the 24 Elder who reminded John not to weep! This Elder comforted John with the news that Jesus Christ would be able to open the scroll. The elder described Jesus as the Lion from the tribe of Judah (Gen 49:9) and the root of David (Isa. 11:1, 10; Jer. 23:5; 33:15; Matt. 22:42-43; Rom. 15:12) which are both titles of his divine salvation and rule appear to together for the first time in the bible.
As God's ultimate Anointed One, Jesus alone possessed the authority necessary as a Lamb worthy to open the scroll. He provided us with the one who has victory over our circumstances, situations, issue, and enemies in our lives, because Christ overcame Satan, sin, and death, so He alone could implement God's purposes for the future that this scroll revealed. We are overcomers due to God having Jesus as our sacrificial Lamb to stand in the gap on our behalf.
Prayer:
Father, Your Word says that I am an overcomer because of the blood of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the word of my testimony—that in Jesus, all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and I have been given fullness in Christ and share in His authority over every spiritual power and authority!
But I confess that I do not feel like an overcomer, and I often give in to the influence of this world instead of submitting to Christ. O God, save me from me! Help me to have self-controlled be alert, knowing that the enemy of my soul is prowling, looking for an opportune moment to defeat me.
In Jesus’ name, strengthen me to submit, resist the enemy, and stand firm in my faith! Give me, I pray, your perspective of the situations I face, and may I live victoriously, as a conqueror, because of Jesus’ sacrifice and His love for me. May I be full of faith and Your Word, for I belong to You, Jesus, for You have overcome the world!