Word of Encouragement (10/12/2021)

“And they [the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders] sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth’” (Rev. 5:9-10).

This is a song of praise. The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, who are around the throne of God, are singing this song of praise to the Lamb, who is found to be worthy to open the (seven) seals of the scroll in the right hand of God. This scroll has the decree of God for the completion of His redemptive work and the end of the world. Unless the seals are opened, the last phase of history cannot proceed to its intended end.

History is not something that “naturally” and “randomly” happens with the passage of time. History is “His story,” which is “written” by God before the foundation of the world. Thankfully, “His story” is a history of redemption. The general history of mankind is merely the stage, on which the history of redemption takes place. If mankind and their history are preserved despite their sinfulness and wickedness, it is ultimately for the redemption of God’s elect to the very last and least one. People may be impressed by the grandeur and luxurious decor of the theatre and the size of its stage. But the structure and architecture of the theatre, however impressive, is but a “prop” to make sure that the show goes on. The redemption of God’s people is the reason for the history of mankind.

We can see why John wept bitterly because no one was found to be worthy to open the scroll. Who is worthy to open this scroll and usher in the final stage of redemptive history and the end of the world? Insofar as it is God’s redemptive history, it cannot go on unless what is needed to initiate that final stage is accomplished. That final stage is what is going to bring all the complications and problems and injustices and troubles of history to God’s perfect resolution. No wonder John wept bitterly!

Then, one of the elders assures him that “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David” (who also had the appearance of “a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth”) is found worthy to open the scroll because He conquered.

We are not told what it is that He conquered. The fact of His triumph is shown in His appearance as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David.” But what gives us a hint of what and how He conquered is shown in His appearance as “a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain.” We see the paradox of His victory: He conquered through His atoning sacrifice as the Lamb of God. What He conquered, then, is our sin and death, which is the wages of sin (Rom. 3:23). This is what was needed to launch the final stage of redemptive history. This is what would break down the barrier between Jews and Gentiles and allow the Gentiles to share in God’s gracious salvation. This is what would escalate the war between the city of God and the city of man until their final battle at Armageddon.

This is why the Apostles called the church age “the last days.” This is why we must repent and believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is why we must not lay up our treasures on earth but in heaven. This is why we live as strangers and aliens in this world, as those whose citizenship is in heaven.

Are you bewildered and discouraged by all the things that are happening around you? Christ was found to be worthy to open the scroll and He is breaking the seven seals one by one. When He is done, our redemption will be complete, and all wickedness and evil will be judged. Do not lose hope. Your life is part of His story. Trust in His faithfulness and persevere in your faith and hope in Christ!