In ancient times, writers used papyrus reed [Nile grass] sheets fused together [up to 30 feet long] when writing books or scrolls. When I was in the Holy Land in 2012, I watched how these papyrus reed sheets were made, dried, and formed into these long scrolls. Clay or wax seals were used periodically throughout these long sheets to isolate specific information. Each section drew attention to something very important.
In our passage today, the Apostle John has a vision from God and he writes about it. John sees a scroll that contains the words of God and what the Lord plans for his fallen world at the end of time. John understands each sealed area of the scroll will reveal another phase of God’s plan; seven seals in all. Who is worthy to open the seals? Who can be trusted with the world’s future?
Only a perfect and sinless life can break the first seal of the scroll, open and read the Word of God, and advance through the following seals. John witnesses that Jesus, the Lamb of God who willingly gave his life to save humanity from destruction, is the only one worthy to open the scroll. Only Jesus has pure power and authority to rule the world, because he destroyed sin and death. Salvation comes to those who believe in Christ’s work on the cross (John 6:29).
The Lord is both the Lion with authority and power, as well as the Lamb who perfectly submitted to God’s will. As the Lamb, Jesus died to save the world by taking on the sins of humanity; he purchased us with his blood. As the Lion, Christ will lead the final battle in godly strength to defeat Satan once and for all—Satan is NOT equal to God in power.
So, all of creation rejoices, because the eternal Kingdom of God is supreme [above all fallen things], filled with the priesthood of believers, and governed in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit! (Ro 14:17). One day, believers will rule the world [Luke 22:29-30]. A glorious future awaits us—which gives us hope in the midst of the trials we face in this fallen world.
Revelation 5:1-10 NLT The Lamb Opens the Scroll
1 Then I saw a scroll [book] in the right hand of the one who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll, and it was sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it.
4 Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. 5 But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, [the root of David] has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
6 Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit [Holy Spirit] of God that is sent out into every part of the earth. 7 He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. 8 And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song with these words:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10
And you have caused them to become
a Kingdom of priests for our God.
And they will reign [are reigning] on the earth.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for purchasing our lives back from the penalty of sin and death. As believers, we can be assured of a future with you in your righteous Kingdom. Although we don’t fully understand the progressive nature of your plan, we know you will rescue us from Satan’s deception and destruction that infiltrates this fallen world. For believers, Satan is a defeated foe. You give us authority to choose and operate in your strength and righteousness each day. Please continue to cause us to rise up in your righteous nature and be the witnesses you need in the world. May your whole world worship you once again! In Jesus’ name. Amen.