PONDERING... Who is Worthy (Revelation 5)

Who is Worthy?

GIST: Let's answer that question (see above). You and I are not. Jesus is... AND His sacrifice provided access to the marvelous for the unworthy.
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 5

Chapter 4 unfolded a scene in Heaven. We were shown the breathtaking throne of God with all of creation worshipping the holy, eternal creator. Chapter 5 has the same setting, and the events here build on that same message: before we can hope to understand the rest of this book, we must understand who is completely in charge of these events. What we have here is a beautiful picture of the Gospel-the good news. Let’s break down each of the images and then draw some applications.

1 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. 

Again, this is immediately following chapter 4's vision of the throne of God. John sees God the Father seated on the throne (in the place of majesty and authority) holding in his right hand (a sign of strength and power/placing an emphasis on the control He has over it) a scroll with a lot of writing on it. There are two points to note here about the scroll. First, from what I have studied, it was not typical to have writing on both sides of a scroll. The material used made it more difficult to write on the back side. The only times this was done were when the writer could not afford more scroll to write on, or felt the material so interconnected he did not want to divide it into separate scrolls. The latter is likely being implied here. The scrolls are full and complete. Second, the scroll is also sealed with seven seals. Remember, the number 7 in Hebrew apocalyptic writing is symbolic of completeness. So this scroll is completely sealed, or fixed/determined. So...what is the scroll?

This is the revelation. Jesus told John He would show him what "must take place after this" (4:1)--that which only God knows and has been sealed by Him, determined by Him, and is now and forever completely within his control (Gill).

2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, 4 and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 

Here we have a very loud angel. His voice is heard by all in Heaven, earth, and under the earth. His question is the focus of this chapter, “Who is Worthy?”. Deserving. Suitable. Meeting all the criteria, or having all the right qualities. In this case, the only one worthy would be one who is complete in excellence (Who else could open, or even look into the ways of God?).

The response, initially, of course, is no one. And John weeps. Why? I do not think it is because he had a chance to see the future and was going to miss out on it. There is more to it than that. This future is God’s plan. God’s work of redemption and salvation, and opening the scroll is more than just giving us a peek; it’s executing the plan. Without the future God has planned, without redemption, what meaning is there in life, but despair?

5 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.”

This…is the Gospel. “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll!” That’s the message to us! Don’t weep; Jesus, the King (Lion of David), has conquered! (John 16:33) The whole of creation led up to this point. He defeated sin so this reality could be fulfilled. Therefore, when we see the judgements to come, we can’t mistake their purpose. Why did Jesus come? John 1:29, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”(emphasis added). Jesus came not only to forgive us of our sins, but to defeat sin. (Does that excite you as much as it should? Do you look forward to a sinless existence?)

6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 

The Lion is the Lamb. There has apparently been some confusion over these points, but the imagery being used here is very common. Jesus is the conquering king—the Lion. Yet, He is also the sacrifice for sin—the Lamb. This is not a new picture, but a further explanation of who Jesus is and why He is worthy. He is the sacrificed Lamb who has seven horns and seven eyes.

Don’t try and draw that :D. This isn’t meant to be taken literally. In Hebrew apocalyptic writing, the horn always represents power or authority. Likewise, as we’ve discussed before, seven symbolizes completeness. Thus, He has complete authority. The seven eyes which are the Holy Spirit (see previous notes on the seven spirits of God) represents His perfect knowledge and work for salvation (since the Holy Spirit is working throughout creation for salvation). Thus, the picture here is one of all power and knowledge—and sacrifice.

7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 

This demonstrates the shared authority of the Trinity, and when He takes this scroll (demonstrating that He will execute the plan)-->

8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 

The creatures and the saints fall down worshiping Him with prayers and harps (songs). D.A. Carson, as I’ve also addressed in this study, pointed out that it is easy to get disappointed with this image. Are we to play harps for all eternity?

Two thoughts here: 1- Harps represent songs of praise in the OT. Prayers portrayed as incense reflects the sweetness of earnest communion with God. 2- Could we be praising God for eternity in this literal sense? Sure, and we’d enjoy every moment of it! Nonetheless, I don’t think that’s what’s being said. There will be great joy and sweet fellowship because-->

9 And they sang a new song, saying,

“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,

10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,

and they shall reign on the earth.” (emphasis added)

This is a new song. In chapter 4, they praised Him as creator. Now, they praise Him as savior. Look at it again and just let it sink in (no, seriously, read back over it for a second).

The only portion that brings up question is the last (reigning on the earth). Some will link this to a millennial reign, but I don’t think it needs to be. We are made a kingdom (which is always spiritual) and priest (the people/servants of God), and will reign on the earth. This could be spiritual or otherwise. I am unsure. BUT, I think the truth here is that we will be in His presence. He reigns. Our authority is inseparable from our will conforming to His. This is not our chance to rule; it is our chance to finally be as we were meant to be.

11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, 

numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might

and honor and glory and blessing!”

13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

How does this Gospel image end? As it everything will--> all of creation worshiping.

APPLICATION:

There is a lot that could be drawn from this passage, but these are the points that stuck out most to me as I studied this week.

1. We need someone to open the scroll. I’m not worthy, and neither are you. Let’s just focus on this for a second. We can get nice and uncomfortable here. This is not a guilt trip, or some emotional ploy. It’s just reality. You know, I’ve been teaching through some College American Literature lately, and right now we’re talking about the realist and the naturalist. These writers took a sharp turn from their romantic predecessors and embraced a much more pessimistic view of life. The naturalist especially, saw everything as ultimately ending in meaningless death. So…we’re not really reading any happy endings right now! Nonetheless, I appreciate their honesty. Many of these writes had long ago rejected any fragment of Christianity, so their conclusions are the only honest ones they could draw. Without Jesus, there is no hope. We are destined for Hell because we not worthy. We have not only sinned, but choose sin over God as our natural/default mode.

Batter my heart, three-person'd God ; for you

As yet but knock ; breathe, shine, and seek to mend ;

That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend

Your force, to break, blow, burn, and make me new.

I, like an usurp'd town, to another due,

Labour to admit you, but O, to no end.

Reason, your viceroy in me, me should defend,

But is captived, and proves weak or untrue.

Yet dearly I love you, and would be loved fain,

But am betroth'd unto your enemy ;

Divorce me, untie, or break that knot again,

Take me to you, imprison me, for I,

Except you enthrall me, never shall be free,

Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.

-John Donne, “Holy Sonnet 14”

2. Jesus is worthy. He is the defeater of sin. His sacrifice was not just an avoidance of punishment of us. He didn’t sign a waiver—He solved the problem. Heaven is going to be marvelous because of this.

3. Let Him open the scroll. Now I know this seems theologically wrong, so before I am stoned for heresy here, let me explain. No, we cannot prevent Jesus from being God and fulfilling His purpose. He holds all time (now and forever) firmly in his hands. And…I guess that’s kind of the point. All of history is controlled, determined, protected…by God (held in His right hand). I think I can trust Him with my life. How naïve we are to doubt.