THE WORTHY ONE

The Introduction of the Worthy One (Revelation 5:5-7)

One of the elders urges John not to cry because there is one worthy who can open the seven seals. The elders-these representatives of the completed body of believers in heaven, the church-know of Him. It is the church in heaven (Hebrews 12:23-24) who know full well that Jesus is the only “Mediator of the new covenant.”

He is the Lion.

While in some cases, the lions are described as those which devour people (Daniel 6; 2 Timothy 4:17) and prey (Numbers 23:24), they are also seen as symbols of strength (Judges 14:18) and boldness (Proverbs 28:1). The Lord describes Himself as a lion who devours his prey (Hosea 5:14).

The One to Whom the “scepter” belongs will come out of the line of Judah (the name means “praise”). The Messiah comes from Judah and is described as a lion, the animal we call “the king of the jungle.” Jesus Christ is the Messianic Lion who will rule and reign over all the earth.

The phrase “Root of David” reminds us that it is a special son of Judah from which the Messiah will come.

The mother of Jesus came from the line of David through his son Nathan. Jesus fulfilled the promise that the Messiah would be “the fruit” of the body of David (Psalm 132:11).

He is the Lamb. What a paradox-lion and lamb! The symbol of a lamb is powerful when applied to our Savior Jesus Christ. Obviously, the picture here is symbolic-in the midst of this throne room setting stood “a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes.” This is an unusual-looking lamb, to say the least. It refers to...

1. His centrality (“in the midst of’).

2. His condition (“as if it had been slain”).

3. His characteristics (“having seven horns and seven eyes”).

Nothing happens on earth that is not known by the Lord. He sees it all and is controlling all events and circumstances. His sovereign will is being executed through the seven angels who stand before Him, ready to do what He wants. They are the instruments through whom His message to the seven churches was given, and they are the ones who blow the trumpets and pour out the plagues, announcing His judgments upon planet earth.

John declares: “He came and took the scroll from the right hand of Him who sat on the throne” (Revelation 5:7). In great symbolism, we are reminded that the kingdom of the Messiah is given to Him by the heavenly Father. The Son is to be honored and worshiped as the Father, and that comes with the Father’s approval and blessing.

PRAY. PREPARE. PROTECT. PROCLAIM. PERSIST. PERSEVERE. PRAY AGAIN. PASS IT ON. POWER UP. POSITION PROPERLY. PAY ATTENTION. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.