Revelation 5
November Memory Verse: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they with me." Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
Revelation 5
“Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it.
4 Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. 5 But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
As we read Revelation 5 today, I think the main thing we must focus on is the exclusivity of Jesus. Jesus alone is worthy of opening the scrolls and breaking the seals. No one, “on heaven or on earth or under the earth” is capable of doing what only Jesus can.
John’s rawness in verse 4 captures the greatness and seriousness of our sin. The hopelessness that he saw when he realized that he nor anyone else was worthy enough to open the scroll is a great picture of the hopelessness that is a reality for us all without Christ. Praise God that there is one who is worthy outside of ourselves! Praise God that we were able to be ransomed through the blood of the lamb
What does the exclusive worthiness of Christ mean for us practically?
We have no power in ourselves to save ourselves, only Jesus can.
The hopelessness of life without Christ because of our sin is worthy of weeping, but we have hope because of the worthiness of Jesus.
The worthiness of Christ should drive our worship and obedience of him.
We should turn to Jesus alone for hope for life change and transformation.
One great way to respond to such a worshipful passage of Scripture is through a song that is inspired by this passage that you can listen to below.
By: Graham Withers
Revelation 5
“Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it.
4 Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. 5 But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
As we read Revelation 5 today, I think the main thing we must focus on is the exclusivity of Jesus. Jesus alone is worthy of opening the scrolls and breaking the seals. No one, “on heaven or on earth or under the earth” is capable of doing what only Jesus can.
John’s rawness in verse 4 captures the greatness and seriousness of our sin. The hopelessness that he saw when he realized that he nor anyone else was worthy enough to open the scroll is a great picture of the hopelessness that is a reality for us all without Christ. Praise God that there is one who is worthy outside of ourselves! Praise God that we were able to be ransomed through the blood of the lamb
What does the exclusive worthiness of Christ mean for us practically?
We have no power in ourselves to save ourselves, only Jesus can.
The hopelessness of life without Christ because of our sin is worthy of weeping, but we have hope because of the worthiness of Jesus.
The worthiness of Christ should drive our worship and obedience of him.
We should turn to Jesus alone for hope for life change and transformation.
One great way to respond to such a worshipful passage of Scripture is through a song that is inspired by this passage that you can listen to below.
By: Graham Withers
2 Comments
Good word to start the week Graham!
“golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people”
The later part of verse 8 got my attention this morning. When God’s children get on their knees and communicate with their Heavenly Father it is a sweet aroma to Him.
🎶What a privilege to carry, every thing to God in prayer🎶
Beautiful hymn, Graham.
That same passage about the prayers of God's people also spoke to me, Mike. I am touched by scripture telling us that our prayers are so pleasing and aromatic to God.
When we finally understand the worthiness of Jesus and the complete unworthiness of ourselves, we allow God to communicate with us in such astounding ways. This understanding opens up the floodgates of love, faith, and trust.