Interlude: The Lamb & The Scroll
Let me tell you a story. It’s a preface for next week which will mark the end of our Easter series.
One Day in Heaven, Was A Scroll…
It was not like any other scroll. God himself, the One seated on the Throne, was holding it in his right hand. The scroll had writings all over it, front and back, and was locked with seven seals. For some unknown time, it had remained so. But now, it was time to unravel it.
“Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”, an angel asked. See, this special scroll could not be opened by just anyone. It contains the perfect and complete plan of God for Judgment and Salvation which he established before the foundations of the world (a). He will permanently right all wrongs that have ever existed in human history, end death, and judge all sin and evil. He will provide undeserved grace and eternal life for repentant sinners who trust in Him. Breaking the seals and opening the scroll represents the fulfillment of God's plan. Is anyone able?
A Loud Weeping
Heaven and earth were shaken to find someone worthy. Maybe Abraham, David, Noah, or Moses? No, none is righteous. An angel? No, how could they mediate between God and man or sympathize with mankind? The Worthy One must be both Divine and Human. Who then is worthy? There was silence. No one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it. At this realization, a loud weeping was heard, filled with hopelessness, sorrow, and dread. It was John, the man given the vision of the Heavenly Throne Room. Feeling the weight of the Glory of God, he understood very well the fate of mankind. Who would save us? Who would take our sins away? Who would eradicate evil? Who would bring about true justice? Who would comfort us from all our sorrows?
Mourning Into Dancing
Suddenly, someone spoke to John words sweeter than honey: “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals”. God The Son, Jesus Christ, proved his worthiness by conquering sin, death, and all evil. He alone has the power to fulfill God's plan. He alone is mighty to save.
In this moment of palpable relief, every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea broke out in worship, rejoicing, and singing: “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
The Goodness of the Good News
If you have not guessed by now, my story is a retelling of Revelation 5. But oh no - it is not a fable or a fairytale. It is reality. God showed John how good the news of Jesus’ Victory is by giving him a taste of the alternative. Is this what we need a taste of today? Just ponder: what if the lamb had not conquered? What if the search for the Worthy One had remained unsuccessful? What if Jesus was not raised from the dead?
NOTES & SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
All scripture references are from the ESV version, unless otherwise noted.
Narrative and scriptures from Revelation 5 in the Bible.
(a) ‘Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation‘ by Nancy Guthrie, page 93-95.
