Revelation 5:5-14 - The One who is Worthy

John is told not to weep. All had seemed hopeless, but there was indeed one who could open the seals. Just as the situation the church was in at the time might have seemed hopeless with no escape, and as the circumstances in our own lives might at times seem hopeless, but there is hope for there is One who is worthy to sort things out. This One is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. This is referring back to Genesis 49:8-10. There it speaks of Judah as a lion cub, and of the one to who the sceptre belongs coming. And it says that the nations will obey Him. The root of David is perhaps a reference to Isaiah (Is 11:1,10). The One whom all of the OT looks forward to is the One who is worthy. Notice that it says He has triumphed. On the cross victory was won and assured. 

Then John see one looking like a lamb that has been slain. Now we need to remember the situation. The church was small and despised by society. They worshipped a man who had been crucified. This vision is reassuring them that this Christ is the One who has all power and authority. He is the One who holds history in His hands. The One we worship is the One who is worthy. The seven horns and eyes signify that His power is complete, and His awareness of all that is happening is complete. When we are in the midst of trouble we doubt that God knows what is going on or that He is doing anything about it. This is a reminder that this is not so.

The Lamb then took the scroll from the One who sat on the throne. Then the four living creatures and the elders all worshipped the Lamb. This is a clear indication of the divinity of Jesus. 

The bowls contained the prayers of saints. Now consider what a prayer seems like on earth. To the one uttering the prayer it can seem so weak and futile. To those inflicting harm on others the prayer is just a sign of their power over the weak and the pitiful state that the victim is in. But here we see the true value of prayer. These prayers are highly esteemed in heaven, where power really lies.

The Lamb is worthy to open the scroll, and He had earned the right to do this because of His blood. He had purchased people from every tribe and tongue for the Lord. 

See than that these people will reign on the earth. We need to realise that God's destiny for us is that we reign on the earth. Realise how at odds with the situation this would seem to the people.

Then myriads of angels came and worshipped the Lamb. The Lamb is the One who is worthy to receive honour, glory and power. We need to remember that Christ is at the centre of it all.

This was followed by all the creatures on the earth worshipping the Lamb. Jesus is the One who receives all the glory.