[:en]SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 5
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12)
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13)
The scroll mentioned here is Christ’s title deed to creation. It is a will, giving Christ the right to claim creation by virtue of His sacrifice (v. 9). When Adam and Eve sinned, all creation became bondage to sin. It was Christ, the redeemer who had set creation free.
John was weeping because no one was worthy to break the seal and open the scroll. But one of the elders assured him that Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David has triumphed and is able to open the scroll and the seven seals (v. 5)
John was looking for a Lion – conqueror, but he saw a Lamb being slained instead. Christ served as both Lion and Lamb. As a Lion, He conquers and reigns. As a Lamb, He died for the sins of the world. Suffering and glory, crown and cross always go together.
Christ is worthy to be the heir of creation. He is entitled to take the book and open the seals. When Christ came to take the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders were holding a golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. Prayers of God’s people play a vital part in God’s governing of the world. Their prayers are about to be answered. They sang a new song and magnified His death for the redemption of mankind. The thousand of angels also encircled the throne and sang praises to Him. All fell down and worshiped Him.
REFLECTION:
Jesus has the right to open the scroll. Have you placed your life in His hands?
Jesus is both the Lion (Sovereign Lord) and the Lamb (Savior). Have you accepted Him and let Him rule your life?
The incense represents prayer. Have you prayed to the Father through Jesus Christ?
The 24 elders and angels all sang praises and worshiped God. Do you worship Him? Have you praised and thanked Him for His grace and blessings?[:]