“And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.” º Rev. 5:1-7
Scripture reading: Revelation 22:12-17
The Scriptures trace the beautiful line of promise which leads to The Lord of lords and the King of kings. Christ is not only King of the church, but He is also King over all creation, every facet/area of life.
A sealed scroll is set before us (cf Isaiah 29:11; Daniel 12:40; Ezekiel 2:9&10). The scroll presented in Revelation 5 is sealed tight and no one has been found to reveal what has been written. This made John weep. He knows the contents are very important. His sorrow is short-lived because he is told there is one worthy to reveal the contents of the scroll. That worthy one is Christ, the Lamb of God. This Lamb is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Already in Genesis 49:8-10, we receive the prophecy of the One who will rule for eternity. This Lamb/Lion did not come out of nowhere. As attested to in many places, His root (cf. Isaiah 11:1-10) can be traced to the great King David. Jesus is greater. What has been hidden throughout the ages is revealed in the coming of Christ and the imminent (just around the corner) second coming.
What royal splendor is described for us! King David of long ago was highly acclaimed, but it was nothing compared to the greater David. David fought many battles, but the ultimate battle he could not win. The greater David, Jesus, has triumphed and God’s people live in the light and strength of that triumph!!
Suggestions for prayer
Pray with humble thankfulness and praise for all that Jesus has accomplished on our behalf. Jesus has prevailed! Express your joy to the Lord for the anticipation of what is yet to come in the Kingdom fulfillment.
Pastor Peter Vellenga serves as an itinerant preacher in the churches of Southern Ontario. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional.
