JOHN’S VISION REVEALS THAT ONLY CHRIST IS WORTHY
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“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!” – Revelation 1:17-18 –
Imagine the miraculous vision the apostle John shares in the Book of Revelation… an encounter with the living, glorified Christ! Before him stands the Son of Man… hair “white as wool”, eyes “like blazing fire”, feet “like bronze glowing in a furnace”, voice “like the sound of rushing waters”, and face “like the sun shining in all its brilliance” (Revelation 1:15-16).
In fear and awe, John falls at His feet. Jesus, ever concerned for His followers, places His right hand upon him and tells him not to be afraid. For He is the One who is now alive for ever and ever. John is asked to write down all that he sees and hears… and the prophecy of times to come.
While in the Spirit, John’s vision unfolds… and he sees a door open into heaven. An angel invites him into the throne room of God. The Almighty is seated upon His throne, shining so brilliantly that John can only describe Him as the purest of precious gems! Lightning flashes and thunder roars from His throne.
God holds in His right hand a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. The scroll, reminiscent of the one seen in the vision of Daniel, will unveil what has been concealed… a revelation of what is to come. A mighty angel asks the question upon which all eternity awaits…
“Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” – Revelation 5:2
John weeps… for there is no one worthy in heaven, on earth or under the earth to open the seals of the scroll. One of the 24 elders seated around the throne tells John not to weep.
“See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” – Revelation 5:5
A Lamb appears, who looks to have been slain, and takes the scroll from the hand of God. There is One, only One, who is worthy. All heaven awakens with praise to the victorious Lamb of God. His ultimate sacrifice has made Him worthy.
“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” – Revelation 5:9-10
Who is worthy? Jesus Christ… our Lord, our Savior, our Deliverer. Only He has overcome. Only He is victorious. Hallelujah!
“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
