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 strong 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. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
– Revelation 5:1-5
This spoke to me tonight. I started by looking for passages on comfort, because, goodness knows I could use some encouragement right now, and I’ll bet you could to.
But I landed upon this. And on the backdrop of my angst and tribulation of mind, this passage chiseled itself in gold letters.
Sometimes I just don’t know what on earth to do. Seriously; everything I’ve tried has turned to skubalon and I’m at a loss. Thank God for prayer, but even that becomes such difficult work when words fail. And I am realizing more with every passing day how terribly bad I am at it.
Among many other things, this passage has to do with what worth is. I can almost see the hot tears running down John’s cheeks as he begins to weep loudly, realizing that no one there is worthy to open the scroll. Likewise, our souls cry out for the One who is worthy. We long to hear the news: “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered . . .”
I am so encouraged by this: Jesus Christ is worthy! He has conquered! All power and authority has been given to him. He is the King.
And he is the only one who is worthy, in worthiness as measured with the standard of Heaven.
John wept for one who was worthy. We weep today to find the same one. We need him. We need him so badly that it hurts.
Jesus is worthy. He’s the only one who is.
In reading that, I am comforted. Praise be to God!
Good night everyone.