Revelation 5:1-14 He is Worthy
We are still in the throne room with John. A momentous event is about to take place. Only ONE is worthy enough to do this task. It’s time to open the scroll!
God has a scroll in His hand with a LOT of writing on it. But it is sealed up with seven seals. No one can read it in its current condition. I don’t doubt that God could open it if He wanted to but that honor doesn’t belong to the Father. That honor belongs to only ONE; “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the rood of David” (verse 5b), the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God.
The imagery John shares here is not pleasing to the eye but it is important as it reflects the completed work of Jesus. “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” (verse 6b).
I don’t know how a lamb is supposed to stand after it has been killed. Maybe John is referring to the fact that the body of the Lamb bore the marks of one who had been killed. The sliced throat (as a sacrificial lamb would have) or the nail pierced hands and feet of our Savior.
He also had seven horns and seven eyes on Him. This represents the fullness of God. The seven spirits of the seven churches. No wonder he told them “I know your works.” He saw them through the eyes He alone earned through his sacrifice.
Jesus wasn’t just given this role. He earned it by completing the work His Father set before Him. He drank the FULL cup. He laid down His life willingly. ALL of that qualified Him for this task. “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 priest to our God, and they shall reign on the earth” (verses 9b-10, emphasis added by me). None other was worthy or will ever be worthy to do this role but Jesus!
I love that even the four creatures fell on their faces before Him too. They offered the ONLY response possible; falling on their face and worshiping Him. I love that they sang to Him too. The times when my heart is overflowing with praise for Him, it most often comes out in song. I long to hear the myriads of myriads singing His song! “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (verse 12).
Let’s not forget the GREATEST song sang here: “To Him won sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (verse 13b).
Father God I want to be part of that myriad singing to You and Jesus! My heart cries out to sing it with them! Please don’t let this be a prideful request or presentation. Let it be done out of a sincere heart.
