Last week, John entered God’s throne room. He was so overwhelmed with what was happening there that it took him awhile to see God (sitting on His throne) holding a scroll. Now in chapter 5, we see the unveiling of the One who is uniquely worthy to accomplish God’s purposes.
An angel shouted that no one is worthy to open the scroll or even look inside it. John wept at this news. The scroll contained information about what was about to take place. The double-sided scroll symbolized that it was complete, no more information needed to be added.
One of the elders pointed John to Jesus as being the only One worthy to open the scroll. John saw a lamb that looked as if it had been slain standing at the throne. The lamb is Jesus. The Lamb had seven horns, which symbolized that He is all-powerful. The Lamb had seven eyes, which symbolized that He is all-wise and all-knowing.
After Jesus took the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down and worshiped Him. They sang a new song about Jesus’ delivering His people. Then thousands upon thousands of angels began worshiping Jesus. And finally, all of creation worshiped Jesus – every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea.
Jesus alone is worthy to take the scroll because He died to save His people. He saved us to be His priests – to share His Gospel message, to serve Him, and to be His ambassadors.
Things to Think About
- Jesus conquered death through sacrifice and is uniquely worthy to consummate history.
- Jesus redeemed the unworthy and is uniquely worthy of worship.