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

3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it.

4 And I began to weep bitterly, because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look inside it.

5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

— Revelation 5:2-5

And the entire vision will be to you like the words sealed in a scroll. If it is handed to someone to read, he will say, “I cannot, because it is sealed.”

— Isaiah 29:11

9 Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me, and in it was a scroll,

10 which He unrolled before me. And written on the front and back of it were words of lamentation, mourning, and woe.

— Ezekiel 2:9-10

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Peace and joy to you from Jesus Christ.

In Revelation 5 the roaring question of the mighty angel in God’s throne room hangs in the air is “Who is worthy?” Seemingly no one in all the universe is qualified to open the scroll. The angel does not call for someone “strong” or “intelligent enough” but for one who is “worthy.” Worthiness indicates far more than mere ability. Character, accomplishment, and appropriate standing are required. Our unworthiness before Holy God remains a settled fact. No one can satisfy His demands or please Him on the basis of his own merit. This sobering truth sets the stage for the intervention of the worthy One.

The contents of the sealed scroll in God’s right hand is of profound significance. John sensed the urgent need for the scroll to be opened and he wept when he did not see anyone come forward. John’s sorrow indicated a longing to see God’s plan fulfilled, sin removed, and all creation restored. If the scroll stayed sealed, God’s eternal purposes and glorious promises would remain unfulfilled. Yet nothing that God desires to open will remain closed. Around God His heavenly assembly knew that the qualified One stood ready to intervene. The triumphant and promised One is the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David.