Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Friday, September 11, 2015
Today’s Scripture:
“And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” (Revelation 5:1–5).
Today’s Observation:
As we continue our devotional thoughts on the Revelation of Jesus Christ in chapter five, it is noteworthy to mention that John continues to be “in the Spirit” as he is given privileged access into the secret things of God. It is also noteworthy to mention that this privileged access into God’s mysteries is reserved, as we highlighted in chapter one, for those who are willing to read, hear, understand, and do the things that are written in the Revelation. The time of fulfillment of these mysteries, which are opened to the servants of God, is as close to now, as your hand is to your body. Now is the time for us to submit to true worship of our King and receive the Revelation God gave through His servant John.
Interestingly, the Lord was about to reveal another great mystery in heaven, and the strong angel cried out a critical question. He asked: “Who is worthy to open the mysteries perfectly sealed with seven seals?” For a time there was no response until it became clear that nobody in heaven, earth, or under the earth was worthy to remove the all important seals to open or even look into the book! As one might imagine, if you are expecting to receive light from the mysteries, which God promised would be a blessing, and not even heavenly beings could unlock them, it would be distressing. John started to cry his heart out!
What happened next is telling. Here’s a new commandment yours truly is giving unto you: Thou shalt not rush through this, else though shalt miss valuable clues. Then someone finally spoke up, breaking the distressing silence. Who spoke up? One of the 24 elders whom we discovered was redeemed from earth (a human being) began to crack the code. He told John to stop crying. He then switches the focus from the unworthiness of all to unseal the mysteries, to the worthiness of One to unseal the mysteries. Did you get that? Notice also how he describes the One who is worthy. The One, the only One worthy to loose the seven seals, look into the mysteries, and read the contents is described as: One, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, and two, the Root of David. This is very interesting! The Bible teaches in Isaiah 11, Romans 15, and Revelation 22:16 that this is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. Now, we have to discern the clues. It is quite telling that the only One worthy to deal with this mysterious perfectly sealed book is Jesus. However, it is also telling that a representative from earth (the elder), identified Jesus as the One who came through David’s line (an earthly reference). These clues mean that Jesus’ worthiness to handle these precious mysteries is directly linked to His link to all things earthly. This is a unique characteristic of Christ. He assumed human form in order to redeem humanity from sin. This is among the many reasons Jesus is worthy! This clue also means that whatever we will soon discover once the worthy One unlocks the seals, concerns humanity. This is no unapproachable heavenly mystery. No! That which is contained in the book concerns us, and the only One worthy to reveal it, is the only One who mysteriously became like us in order to save us!
Worthy, worthy is the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who was slain, but now lives forevermore.
Life Application:
There is much that we cannot understand about the controversy that now rages on earth with humanity, without the King’s help. Why do so many atrocities continue to happen? Is God merciful? How will it all end? Does God love me? Why are my trials so hard to bear? Why is the devil allowed to do so much evil down here? Who? What? When? Where? How? Why? Mysteries!
Take courage, friends. Jesus Christ is worthy to unlock the mysteries for those who are willing to submit to Him fully. Not only that, Jesus will also reveal His eternal solution to the woes of this world. And ultimately, Jesus will forever rectify the problem of sin and degradation. He will make all things new. But first, you and I need to commit to surrendering to Him, listening to all He reveals, and sharing with others so they can be delivered too. The time is at hand!
A Prayer for Your Hearts:
Lord, thank you for being worthy. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
