Who is worthy to open the scroll?

Revelation 5:1-5

5 Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals, 2 and I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it. 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.”

Here there is a plot shift – Revelation 4 has been all about God and the awe and wonder due to the God as God. Now in chapter 5, we begin the unfolding of the “prophecy” in the book of Revelation. But a reminder before we get too much further – chapter 4 is not just the opening before the good stuff – chapter 4 is first to remind us that the One who sits on the throne, is the One who is to be praised and given honour and glory no matter what happens in the rest of the book. Chapter 4 is the foundation upon which everything else that follows is to be understood.

The secrets of what is to come can be revealed only by someone who is worthy to reveal the truth. The truth is holy, sacred knowledge, and only Jesus Christ is worthy to open the scroll with the 7 seals. Notice how Jesus is described in vs. 5 – “Lion of the tribe of Judah” – the lion is a royal animal so this is a king, “The Root of David” – the tree that was cut down has produced a new shoot from its roots – the dead has been resurrected.

To the first readers this said, in all that the future might have held for them, the king who was killed and raised to life, was going before them. In fact, he was the one who was guiding all that would happen, for it would happen only as he opened the seals. That is the same for us, in the threats and worries we face, King Jesus who has gone through death and come out victorious on the other side, goes ahead of us and is guiding all that will take place.  

PRAYER:

Lord God, your Son, Jesus Christ is worthy – worthy of praise and glory – worthy to be honoured and adored – worthy to lead his people and us into the future that lies ahead. We thank you that he can be trusted to guide us to the reign you are preparing to inaugurate. In Jesus’ name. Amen.