Revelation 5
Then I wept because no one could be found who was worthy to open the scroll and read it. 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, has conquered. He is worthy to open the scroll and break its seven seals." – Vs 4-5 NLT
The scene continues in John's vision of heaven. God is seated on His throne surrounded by the four living creatures and the 24 elders who are worshiping him ceaselessly. In His hand God holds a scroll. But to John's dismay, there is no one deemed worthy to open to the scroll and read it. No one in heaven or on earth meets the qualifications for worthiness required to take the scroll from God's hand and read it. This news brings John to tears. Then one of the elders proclaims to him, "Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has conquered. He is worthy to open the scroll and break its seven seals" (Revelation 5:5 NLT). At that point John sees a Lamb standing between the throne and the 24 elders. Isn't it interesting that the elder describes Jesus as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, but then He appears as the Lamb, standing as though it had been slain (Revelation 5:6). Jesus is the Lion and the Lamb. He is the conqueror, but only because He was slain. He defeated death and sin by dying a sacrificial, substitionary death on the cross for you and me. He is worthy because He was slain.
You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were killed, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And you have caused them to become God’s Kingdom and his priests. And they will reign on the earth. (Revelation 5:9-10 NLT)
Jesus is worthy because He was faithful to do what He had been sent by the Father to do. He accomplished the Father's will. He gave His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). His death resulted in victory. His death resulted in life for many (Romans 5:15). His death resulted in our becoming heirs of a kingdom of priests and citizens of a heaven (1 Peter 2:9). The whole emphasis of this chapter is on Jesus and His worthiness. He is the star of this scene and the central focus of the action. The angels join the celebration of His worthiness by singing, "The Lamb is worthy––the Lamb who was killed. He is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing" (Revelation 5:12 NLT). Then every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea sang with them, "Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever" (Revelation 5:13 NLT).
The whole scene ends with the 24 elders falling at their feet in worship and adoration before God and the Lamb. He is worthy! He is deserving of our praise, honor, and adoration because of what He has done. He is the Lamb who was slain. He sacrificed His life so that I might live. He ransomed me from slavery to sin and death. And He deserves my praise.
Father, You sent Your Son to die in my place. And He did what He came to do. Because of that I have access before Your throne. I am Your Son and an heir to Your kingdom. All because of what Jesus, the Lamb of God did on the cross. Thank You for sending Him. Jesus, thank You for coming and being obedient, even to the point of dying on the cross in my place. Amen