Who Can Open the Scroll?

God Wins: The Message of the Book of Revelation
A Series by Ray Jewell

Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, – Revelation 5:1-6a

The vision of the throne room of God continues by focusing in on what the One who sits on the throne has in His right hand. The phrase “the right hand of God” is used to signify a position of power reserved for only One person, Jesus the Messiah. Sitting at the right hand also signified the one who was next in line in a family (usually the first born son, but often in the Bible the younger son becomes the heir). Here the right hand shows that God Almighty holds all kinds of outcomes for His creation, especially His image bearers.

The scroll He holds is the document that speaks life, judgment (whether for or against someone or something) commendation; it other words, this scroll contains stuff that has eternal significance. No wonder no one was found worthy to break the seals and read what was on it. It seems that all hope is lost and john begins to weep uncontrollably. Probably wail is more accurate than weep. It is a cry of deep anguish, a cry coming from a soul that is in tremendous anguish. All hope of someone who can open the scroll is gone . . . Or is it?

One of the twenty-four elders speaks up. “Look! Here He comes! The Lion of Judah is here. He is worthy to open the scroll, to see what is inside. To put all kinds of things into motion. He has the power to see that justice is done. He has the ability to open the scroll.” The Lion of Judah takes center stage. The Root of David has triumphed. He can open the scroll.

But all John sees is a Lamb who looks like He has been slain. The Bible is full of paradoxes, but this may be the greatest one. The Lion of Judah, the Root of David, the Messiah, the King of the Universe took the form of a sacrificial Lamb. He willingly took on human flesh and dwelt among humans. He gave Himself up for His creation, for His image bearers. Why? LOVE.

I can relate to John’s despair here. Things so often look and feel like they are in a mess. Hope is often nonexistent if all we do is focus on the stuff that is happening around us. Then someone reminds us of the greatest hope of all “Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain . . .” and hope is restored. The strength to go on is rekindled because the Lion of Judah has overcome.

Lord, I fall on my knees to worship You, the Lion of Judah, the Lamb who was slain. You are alive and hope is a sure thing. Amen.

Until next time,

TO THE GLORY OF GOD!