I WEPT SO MUCH

FRIDAY 29 OCTOBER 2021

"I wept so much" is the scene of lamentation expressed by John the Apostle also known as "John" of Revelation. Indeed it was a noisy sobbing coming from John when he felt disappointed that no one was worthy enough to open a scroll located in God's right hand.

Reference: Revelation 5:1-4 New international Version (NIV) "Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll? But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside."'

This story, known as the Scroll and the Lamb is an important part of the book of Revelation. This Scroll contained important espistolary texts written on both front and back, preserved on papyrus and sealed with seven seals, which was to be revealed. However a strong Angel who was to introduce the Lamb before the scroll is opened, surfaced with a loud voice saying, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?"

A swift search was observed throughout time and eternity, but no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was found faithful to open the scroll, or to even look at it. John broke down in tears and wept beyond measure, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. Why did he cry? The answer is simple: Human nature! And I'll come to this later.

Now watch this: In verse 5, One of the Twenty-four elders said to John, "Stop weeping!" Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David's throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals. Since no one was found worthy after the swift search, how did the elder know? When I asked this question, the Spirit of God referred me to Colossians 3:1, which reads, "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand" (NLT). The elders in heaven knew it was Christ, the lion of the tribe of Judah. Even the heavenly hosts knew this, including the strong angel who asked the question.

If they really knew it was Christ, why did the Angel proclaim with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?" To answer this question, bear this in mind: This was a specific revelation to John or call it apocalypse of John, coming from Jesus Christ. So John was the one tested with the question, not those in heaven. He failed the test at that moment because He wept so much, which is a reflection of human nature, when there seems to be no solution. By revelation, the scroll was kept in the right hand of the Almighty God who sat on the throne, which denotes the very position where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. But John failed the test and was later informed by one of the Twenty-four elders surrounding the throne of grace.

As for us, the saints of God, this is why apostle Paul urges us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things (see Colossians 3:2 NIV). When you set your minds on things above or your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand, you will never fail or be moved by the tests of this life. Beloved, Christ, as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, from the Root of David is a well-known and well-established symbol in the highest realm in heaven. He is the One that is the wealthiest in supreme authority and the full meaning of it. Everything in heaven, on earth and under the earth revolves around Christ. Why? Because He triumphed! Note the word "triumphed", which also means "prevailed". Revelation 5:5 (NIV) says, 'Then one of the elders said to John, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has TRIUMPHED. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals."'

Christ is the only worthy and able Lion qualified to open the scroll and its seven seals because He triumphed over the Devil and his cohorts, including the powers and forces of darkness. Colossians 2:15 noted that Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him (ESV). As a result of this triumph, His character description as the Lion of the tribe of Judah is expressed (Revelation 5:5), but in regard to reading the sacred scroll, He is the worthy Lamb that was slain (Revelation 5:9). There is a notable and striking exception to the uniqueness of what Christ can do. Simply put, there are things, nobody but only Christ can do and will do, even in the world to come. Therefore trust Him in all your ways and set your mind on things above by keeping your eyes on Him, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith (Hebrews 12:2 NLT). Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Isaiah 29:11; Daniel 12:4; Ezekiel 2:9-10; Zachariah 5:11.

Exuberant Declaration: Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah and He dwells in me, empowering me to walk more intimately with God, in line with His perfect will. As I keep thinking of the things above, I perceive the realities of heaven by the Spirit of discernment and I walk in its dominion and power, subduing and prevailing over all the works of the enemy through the operation of grace. By actively engaging the revelation of Christ in me for effective Christian living, I'm daily distinguished by the perfection of God's glory. Blessed be God!