1 Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals.

2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”

6a Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders…

7 And He came and took the scroll from the right hand of the One seated on the throne.

— Revelation 5:1-2, 6a, 7

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

— John 1:29

4 But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,

5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!

6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

7 in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

–Ephesians 2:4-7

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace and mercy from our Savior Jesus Christ to you.

People often seek solutions for the world’s great problems. We long to cure cancer or negotiate peace. We applaud individuals who reduce suffering or help the impoverished. But in the meanwhile how many ignore humanity’s most significant problem and God’s amazing solution! In fact the most pressing peril the world faces is the separation from God caused by sin. Sin’s predicament has no human solution. John witnessed an amazing expression of the worthiness of God’s Son within God’s glorious throne room. He saw that only Jesus could open the scroll and unlock the mysteries that complete God’s future plan.

What qualified Jesus to do this? Jesus, the slain Lamb, who takes away the sin of the world by shedding His own blood. He paid the highest ransom to redeem humanity. Jesus purchased people from every tribe, language, people, and nation with His own blood. On behalf of humanity, all creation erupts into resounding praise and worship of humanity’s Savior and God’s Son. Jesus is uniquely worthy to accomplish God’s plan of redemption. Jesus Christ the Savior is worthy! Glory and honor belong to Jesus Christ.