Revelation 5:1-14
Key Verse: (Rev 5:9b) You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
Worthy Is the Lamb
When I read this chapter, the emotional response of John made me puzzled. Why was him weeping because no one could open the scroll?
What was the big deal?
As I did some reading and research, I began to see the significance and the legality of this act, and God’s greatness and His glory.
In Ancient Rome, a legal document with great importance is sealed and signed with witnesses and needed to be open and read with authorized personnel. A scroll with seven seals not only represents the significance of the message inside, but also at many times, meaning the last words or the will that talks about the inheritance and the disposition of the property.
Now I can relate to John on his distress – he was there and was made aware of an extremely important message – but no one is worthy of breaking the seals and unveiling it. His anxiety and disappointment was so bad that made him weep.
John was soon comforted by one of the elders, that there is someone worthy of opening the scroll – the Lamb that was slain.
Jesus’ obedience to the Father and His redemption work made him worthy of receiving the scroll and opening it. Only He could, only Him has done so!
Then the scene continues with heavenly worship – beautifully arranged and all glory, honor, and praises to Him! — Ivy Lin
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