Revelation 5 contains an account which all Christian should know and rejoice. The past few weeks have again revealed that this world is broken. Riots, anger, injustice, and frustration have been the common fare of the day. This past week we observed another presidential inauguration. While the president called for national unity, his immediate work raised great concern for those who stand firm on revealed Scripture. We live in a broken world. Yet, this is nothing new to face believers. In the first century, Christians faced intense persecution. In AD 90, John penned the final book of Scripture. He began the book with a message from God to the churches. They were in danger of apostasy due to compromise with the world. Persecution and hardship led these churches to forsake the faith.
In chapter 4, John is given a vision of the throne room of God. This vision is filled with magnificent splendor and sovereignty. He is reminded that God still sits on his throne. As chapter 5 begins, God the Father holds a scroll. This scroll gives the bearer the right to rule and reign over creation. An angel calls out asking if any is worthy to open the scroll. But the response is absolute silence. As John observes this, he contemplates the persecution of the church, the evil of the world, the sin and brokenness all around, and the hope this scroll brings. Whoever opens it can make all things right. They can rule in justice and righteousness. However, no one steps forward. Hope seems lost. The world is doomed to depravity, injustice, and destruction. And so, John begins to weep. He weeps for his friends, he weeps for the coming generations, he weeps for humanity.
As John weeps, an angel puts a hand on his shoulders and informs him that there is no need to weep. For one has stepped forward to open the scroll. The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals. (v. 5) He is worthy to rule and reign. He has the right of absolute sovereignty over the earth. And He will make all things right. This revelation causes those in the throne room to burst forth in praise:
9“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, 10and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.
12“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” 13“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
Jesus still reigns! He will make all things right. All we face today is working towards that coming age. No ruler, no judge, no person can change the reality that God still reigns, and Jesus is worthy. We remain in this day to see the Kingdom advance. We remain to invite others to join in this Kingdom. So, don’t fear. Don’t fall prey to the temptation to believe that the church wont’ survive. Don’t respond to evil with evil. Don’t be marked by frustration and anger. Rest in our sovereign God. He is worthy. The Gospel is always the answer. He will build His church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it. He will always care for his people. Keep looking up!
Andrew Peterson wrote a fantastic song based on this text. Perhaps it will be uplifting to you today: Andrew Peterson – Is He Worthy? – YouTube