Worthy is the Lamb
In many ways, Revelation 5 continues the vision of the heavenly throne begun in Revelation 4. But the focus now shifts from the glory of the One seated upon the throne and the elders and living creatures who attend to him, to the Lamb who is the only one worthy to open the scroll. This worthy One was the lion of the tribe of Judah. But when John looks, he sees not a lion but a Lamb. And here is the whole surprise of the gospel: when all of Israel was looking for the lion who would break the yoke of its enemies, God sent a Lamb to take away the sins of the world. When people were eager to see the slaughter of the oppressors, the lion became a Lamb and he himself was slaughtered. When John sees the One who is worthy to open the scroll, he sees the revelation of God’s compassion: he sees Jesus. The plan of God for the history of the world is executed by the Lion who appeared as the Lamb and the Lamb is standing before the throne. The posture means that he possesses infinite power. But it is love - power. The great word from the throne is that Jesus saves. Not only does he save the lost souls of wandering people, but the Lamb also directs the whole history of our planet to its eternal goal. For he alone is worthy to take the scroll and open its seals. So, let all who have been ransomed by his blood now say, “Worthy is the Lamb!”
