“Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll. But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Rock of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’ “
Revelation 5:1-5

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In Revelation 4 John is invited to come through the doorway of heaven to the throne. Here he sees four living creatures and twenty-four elders worshiping someone on the throne who lives for ever and ever. John saw a scroll with seven seals in the hand of one who sat on the throne. The imagery is that of an important message whose proclamation awaits the opening of the scroll and breaking of its seals.

A mighty angel builds the suspense by announcing a search for someone able to open the scroll, but no one worthy can be found. John becomes despondent at the delay, and weeps. Then one of the elders declares that Jesus, the Lion of Judah, the Rock of David, is able to open the scroll.

Have you ever pondered that which only Jesus can do? Jesus took on flesh and lived among us. He underwent the full human experience of life and death on planet earth. He was born into a family living in poverty. He was loved and hated, accepted and rejected, believed and disbelieved, followed and fled, betrayed, denied, mocked, beaten, scourged, and crucified.

Jesus understands when we are misunderstood. Jesus listens when others seem uninterested. Jesus cares when no one else appears to. He comprehends being unjustly accused by false accusations. He has felt the pain of ridicule by people who do not know what they are talking about. He has seen people turn away and flee from Him, intent upon their own wellbeing or comfort. Jesus has felt the sting of a close friend denying Him to save his skin. Jesus has watched a close companion betray His life for money.

Only Jesus could be the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Only Jesus, the eternally unbegotten Son of God, who was also conceived by the Holy Spirit. Only Jesus lived on earth tempted in every way but without sin. Only Jesus obediently laid down His life as a perfect sacrifice for sins of humankind. Only Jesus rose from the dead to ascend to the right hand of God. Only Jesus is our Advocate before the Father interceding for us. Only Jesus is our Redeemer who has drawn us to Himself. Only Jesus is the Savior of the world. Only Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • What has the uniqueness of Jesus meant to you?
  • How does your view of Jesus help you in the battle against sin?

Church Reading Plan: Isaiah 11-12; James 5