Only The Lamb Is Worthy

Only the Lamb is Worthy

Revelation 5:1-10

I think that as we begin looking at our text today in Revelation 5:1-10, it would help us to understand something of the background that led up to this point in John's vision. John's Revelation of Jesus Christ begins with a powerful vision of the risen and glorified Christ in chapter 1 where we see Jesus walking among lampstands, holding stars in His hand, having eyes like blazing fire and a voice like rushing waters. Friends, this should remind all of us that Jesus is not only risen but sovereign, present among His churches, and actively overseeing His people.

In chapters 2 and 3, John is instructed by the Lord to write letters to the seven churches which are dictated to him by the Lord. These messages to the churches from Jesus are to encourage and correct those who follow Him. He knows their deeds, calls them to faithfulness, and promises great rewards to those who overcome. These letters illustrate to us that the church lives within a spiritual battle and must hold fast to the truth of Christ in a world filled with compromise, persecution, and temptation.

When we get to chapter 4, we see that John is taken up in the Spirit into the heavenly throne room, where he sees God seated in glory and majesty, worshiped by creatures and elders who cast their crowns before Him. It is a scene of perfect divine authority, holiness, and worship.

Now, as we come to chapter 5, the mood becomes more intense and expectant. A scroll sealed with seven seals is in the hand of the One on the throne, and no one is found worthy to open it or even look at it—until the Lion of the tribe of Judah appears. But when John looks, he sees not a lion but a Lamb that appears slain. This is an image of victory through sacrifice, and it ushers in a deeply moving act of worship. Heaven responds with a new song, proclaiming the Lamb's worthiness to open the scroll and fulfill God's redemptive plan.

Revelation 5:1-10 is a turning point. It teaches us who Jesus is, what He has accomplished, and why heaven and earth worship Him. Drawing from the vision of Christ in chapter 1, the call to the churches in chapters 2 and 3, and the throne of God in chapter 4, this passage connects it all with the mission and victory of the Lamb. As we reflect on all of this today, may we be moved to join in the worship of the One who alone is worthy.

Revelation 5:1-10 I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. (2) And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?" (3) And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. (4) Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; (5) and one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals." (6) And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. (7) And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. (8) When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. (9) And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. (10) "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."

It's been said that in order for a person to be happy; for a person to be fulfilled; for a person to have a meaningful life, they need 3 things. #1) They need someone to love. #2) They need something to do. #3) They need something to hope for. Someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for. And for those of you who are still wondering, still looking for those things that will give your life true meaning, fulfillment, and true happiness, the answer you're looking for is Jesus. Jesus is all those things and so much more. He is the one we love. He is the one we serve. He is our hope. He is all these things to us because as we see in our text today...