The Scroll with Seven Seals

 

Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” (Revelation 5:1-5 ESV).

 

God’s throne room is full of surprises. Having seen all the people and creatures surrounding God’s throne and giving constant praise, John is now drawn to focus on a scroll. The scroll is in God’s right hand, which means it is important to God and all of creation. This scroll is also unusual in that it has writing on both sides. The words of God’s law on stone tablets were written that way too (cf. Exodus 32:15). Also surprising is the number of seals used to keep the scroll closed. One seal would have been enough to keep it closed from view. But this scroll has seven seals!

 

Most surprising is that it will require someone special, someone “worthy” to “break the seals and open the scroll.” But the text says that no one in heaven, on earth, or anywhere in creation is worthy to open the scroll or even to peek inside it. God has a powerful, one-of-a-kind story to reveal. It will take someone unique, worthy, and special to open this book and tell its story.

 

As John begins to weep since no one could be found worthy to open the words of redemption and deliverance, an angel approaches him. The angel tenderly puts his hand on him and comforts him with the admonition to look toward the throne. The only One to be able to break the seals and reveal the story’s contents also sits on the throne of all thrones. He is the King of all kings, the Lord of all lords, He is the Savior and son of God… He is Jesus!

 

John rejoices, as we do, though the result of the opening of each seal brings judgment and calamity to the earth. It is the beginning of the end of what we know and the renewal of all things. God’s redemptive work nears its end! What a day that will be!