December 13, 2024 - Revelation 5

John reports, “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” (5:1-4).  Can we play a game, a game crafted on the order of the PBS children’s show “Dora the Explorer?”  Dora is a small Hispanic girl who goes on adventures and, along the way, introduces Spanish words.  She would use the word, it would be displayed on the screen, and she would ask the children watching to help her by calling out the English translation.  So, let’s help John.  No one was found who was able to open the scroll, no one who was worthy to do so.  Who could that possibly be?  Why, it’s the “the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (5:12).  To him “be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (5:13).  And with the four living creatures, we say “Amen!” (5:14).

Crown him with many crowns,

the Lamb upon his throne.

Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns

all music but its own.

Awake, my soul, and sing

of him who died for thee,

and hail him as thy matchless king

through all eternity.   -- Matthew Bridges (1851)