Christ is Worthy - Revelation 1-5

Revelation 5:1-5 (ESV Strong's)
(The Scroll and the Lamb)
Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “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.”

Christ is Worthy

The above passage is one of the most victorious passages in Scripture.   The scene is set in the preceding chapter with John being taken to heaven and sees the vision of God.   John is also surrounded by the 24-elders, four incredible beasts and a scene from heaven that is breathtaking.    In the midst of this scene, God, who is seated on the throne, holds out a Scroll that contains writing on both sides.   The writing on both sides is probably referring to the “completeness” of the message.   As we read the rest of the book of Revelation the message of the scroll is unfolded.  It contains the wrath of God on the unbelieving world and those who crucified and subsequently rejected His Son, Jesus.    When John sees the scroll he immediately knows the importance of it.  It is the “decrees” of God that will bring, yes, judgment to the world, but, also, will establish Christ rule and reign permanently.  The scroll must be opened.  John immediately begins to cry because he does not see anyone who is worthy to open the scroll.   How desperate would that situation be if there was no one worthy to open up and bring to fruition the decrees of God that would establish the righteous rule of Christ?   John sees the gravity of the moment, but is, momentarily, blinded to the solution.   One of the elders intervenes in John’s mental block and reveals that the “Lamb of God” (Jesus) is able to open the scroll.  By the means of Jesus’ obedience unto death (Philippians 2:8) he became the soul heir to the throne. For this there is rejoicing in heaven and on earth.   When we pray “thy kingdoms come, thy will be done in heaven and on earth,” we are praying for this very moment in Revelations 5.   This is a victorious moment.  This is the moment God decrees His wrath on those who reject Christ and victory for Jesus to take the throne He earned in His death. John cries because he does not immediately see Jesus’ conquering quest.   The book of The Revelation is the unfolding of the above event.  The seals will be opened and God’s wrath revealed.  But, more importantly, this even begins the reign of Christ and the glorification of believers in that reign.  It is a tremendous moment in God’s plan.