Thoughts On Revelation (11)
In chapter five John recounts the second part of his magnificent vision of the throne room of heaven. He sees God seated on the throne with a scroll in His right hand. This scroll is sealed with seven seals. It is now the proper time to open the scroll, but no one is found qualified for the task. A mighty angel with a loud voice asks, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals? For a brief time it seemed there would be no creature in the entire universe who could do this. For whatever reason, the lack of one who was worthy caused John to weep with disappointment. His sadness was short lived. One of the twenty four elders spoke and announced the Worthy One was qualified to open the scroll. The elder simply identified this One as the Lion of Judah and the Root of David. When John looked he saw the Lamb. Then John heard innumerable voices praising in loud voices, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.” He clearly knew then as we know now, it was Jesus.
When we read this account, questions come to mind. What does this scroll represent? What is sealed inside? Many views have been put forth. Some think it represents the title deed to earth. The deed God gave to Adam, which he forfeited to Satan when he and Eve sinned in the garden. Others point to what God told Daniel when He gave the prophet a vision of the end times. God said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” (Daniel 12:9)
This section of Revelation teaches us that God’s purposes are accomplished only through One who is uniquely worthy. The fierce Lion of Judah will war against God’s enemies. The gentle Lamb redeems the purchased people with the blood of his atoning sacrifice.
-Terry Morrison