Revelation 5
"And I [John] 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, 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. 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.'” - Revelation 5:2-5
The apostle John sees a scroll in God's hand, a scroll with seven seals that cannot be opened except by one who is worthy. At first no one worthy is found. But then a mighty angel informs John that one who is worthy has been found: the Lion of Judah, the Root of David, the Messiah. He is worthy to open the scroll because he has conquered. This is a reference to Jesus' conquering sin, death, and Satan at the cross (v. 9). It is important that the seven seals be broken and the scroll opened because this scroll is the title deed to the earth. If believers from all times and places are to inherit the earth, as promised throughout the Bible, the scroll must be opened. The opening of the scroll by Jesus signifies the final defeat of evil is near.
Jesus is the one who is worthy. He is worthy because he conquered sin and death at the cross. No one else could have done it. Through his substitutionary death he ransomed people from every nation and has made them into a new kingdom. Redeemed humanity will reign on the earth because Jesus is worthy. We owe everything to him, and it is right to worship him (v. 14).
Father, thank you that your one and only Son was obedient to the point of death on a cross. It was only through his cross that we could be redeemed and that the title deed of the earth could be unsealed and opened. Thank you that every believer has a guaranteed inheritance in the kingdom that is to come. We appreciate the revelation you gave to John and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by which he wrote these things down in Scripture for our benefit. Let us worship you and your Son today when we meet at church. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman