No One Was Found Worthy

Thank you, Lord, for Your Word. Please prepare my heart now to receive Your truth.

“So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne … stood a Lamb …” (Revelation 5:4-6)

John’s copious tears represent the tears of people throughout all the ages who have wept, wondering if there is no hope for sin, sorrow and heartbreak to be defeated in this world. And it seems there truly is no hope, since no one is found worthy to open the scroll. Then a Redeemer is revealed, and we see the tragic weakness of civilization juxtaposed with the triumphant worthiness of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Notice that John is expecting to see a Lion – a powerful, majestic beast – Who has prevailed, meaning He has been victorious. So he turns to look for this mighty, ferocious, triumphant creature – and he sees a Lamb. The word used here actually means a little pet lamb, like the lambs that were offered at Passover. Instead of a fierce Lion, there is a tiny, tender, innocent ,  redeeming Lamb.

This is the One Who has regained the title-deed to the earth. Only Jesus could buy back the inheritance forfeited by Adam, for the price required was His own precious innocent blood. That’s why Jesus stepped out of heaven and became a man, the virgin-born Son of God – so that he could be the sinless sacrifice required to pay our debt. The Bible says we “were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold … but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter: 18-19).

There is only One Who could open the seals and redeem creation. The Lord Jesus, our near Kinsman, willingly paid the price and He is exclusively worthy.

~Adrian Rogers~ - "Tapestry - Promises & Prophecy"