Revelation 5
With a right vision of God Almighty clear in our minds from Revelation 4, we can and should feel some of the depth of anguish John describes himself feeling in verse 4. Verses 2-4 raise the question of who is worthy before our God, this mighty God on His throne, whom all beings cannot help but worship? Who is there in heaven and earth who is worthy to open the scroll in God’s hand? John weeps. Yet, John is told to ‘weep no more’ for behold there is one who is worthy (verse 5).
John then sees the vision of the Lamb. And we know who this Lamb is. We are to recall John’s words in his gospel as he quotes John the Baptist, on seeing Jesus walking towards him: ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’ (John 1:29). Jesus Christ is this Lamb.
The descriptions of the Lamb that we see in the following verses pull together so many of God’s wonderful promises made to His people over history, proving His faithfulness to His people, and the worthiness of His Lamb:
‘You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.‘ (verse 9-10)
The creatures and elders who were worshipping God Almighty on His Throne in Revelation 4, now burst into praise and song to the Lamb, who is worthy to take the scroll from God’s right hand. He is as worthy of praise and worship as God the Father.
This Lamb is worthy, our Lord Jesus is worthy, because of what He did on the cross. The description in these verses of the salvation that Jesus has bought, for all people, should blow us away. With the promises here, as well as the promises we saw in chapters 2 and 3 for those in His churches who faithfully overcome, all now available to us because of what Jesus has done, we can’t help but fall on our knees and worship our Lord and Saviour.
May we be reminded of the awesome thing it is know our Lord Jesus, this Lord Jesus, and to be saved by Him and be called people of God.
‘”To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”
The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.’ (verse 13b-14)