Worthy Is The Lamb

John has taken us with himself to stand before the awesome and frightening throne of God. As we stand there a dramatic moment unfolds.

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. - Rev 5:1-4 ESV

What is this mysterious scroll, sealed with seven seals? And why is John so deeply moved when he sees that no one in all of heaven and earth is able to open and look into it?

In his Gospel John writes of the Word (Logos) who was with God from the beginning and is God. By Him all things were made and without Him nothing! has come into existence (John 1:1-4). This Word has revealed His secrets to His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7). From these prophets we learn that the names of all those who revere and stand in awe of (Heb.-yare' ) the LORD of hosts and esteem His name have their names written in a Book of remembrance. They are His treasured possession (Mal 3:16-17; Ps 56:8). John sees this scroll. It is full of names written on both sides, but it is completely sealed with seven seals and no one in heaven, on earth or under the earth is able to open or look into it. What now?

A mighty angel steps forward to ask, "Who is worthy (Gk - axios) to break the seals and reveal the names of the LORD's treasured possession?" (Rev 5:2)  No one steps forward, no one is able and John begins to weep loudly. Are all lost?

"No," says one of those 24 elders. "Weep no more. Look upon the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David . . ." Ever since the day that Israel first blessed his sons Judah has been called a lion (Gen.49:9-10). Jesus is clearly descended from that tribe and from the royal family of David  (Matt 1:3-16; Heb 7:14). He who was born in David's village, He is the righteous Branch destined to reign as the God-appointed ruler of the true Israel (Mic 5:2; Jer 23:5-6; Isa 11:1, 10; Gal 6:16).

The Lion of Judah on a Bezalel ceramic tile

So John looks, but what does he see? Instead of a lion he sees One like a slaughtered lamb.

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. - Rev 5:6 ESV

 A lion that is a lamb? Remember, as always, that we are dealing with images, symbols that point beyond to reveal something we are to understand and believe. The Lamb of God had been predicted since John the Baptist prepared the way (John 1:29-36). Jesus is that slaughtered Lamb who endured the cross under the judgment of Pontius Pilate and is now risen from the dead and seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb 12:2). By His suffering and death He has conquered death. All those who put their faith in Him find forgiveness and life (1 Cor 15:53-57). They have the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

This Lamb has seven horns. He has complete power (Matt 28:18; Ps 2:8-9). And His seven eyes points symbolically to the truth that He knows all things (Rev 1:14; 2:18; 19:12). Even Gentiles may now find hope in Him (Rom 15:12).

And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 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. 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, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth." - Rev 5:7-10 ESV

No wonder that the living creatures and the elders and the unlimited thousands (myriads of myriads) of angels (Heb 12:22) break into loud song, 

"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" - Rev 5:12 ESV

Lamb of God

And on earth our prayers rise as incense (Exo 30:34-37) to join those prayers of praise in heaven.

O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you! Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice! - Psa 141:1-2 ESV

Join in your heart as the Messiah chorus leads us to praise the Lamb: Worthy is the Lamb.