“When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers…what is man that Thou art mindful of him?” Psalm 8:3,4
In the book of Revelation, when we see in heaven God the Father exalted, seated upon His throne, being worshipped for His worthiness, specifically displayed in the perfection of the creation that He has made, we come to the moment when there is revealed that a book is seen in His right hand. That book, written within and on the backside, and sealed with seven seals is of singular importance in the vision. Why? It is because it is destined for Someone. It belongs to Someone because of His worthiness, the excellence of His person, and the perfection and power of His work of redemption. In the vision also, John sees a strong angel proclaiming: “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” (5:2) Immediately the whole of heaven and earth is called upon to find such a worthy person. Certainly there must be someone, when looking over the entirety of creation, and over the whole history of the world. However, there seems to be silence in heaven for a moment, for NO MAN in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.” Even the aged, and godly, Apostle John is not considered worthy to approach the throne to take the book. The result of not finding a single person in heaven and earth to whom God the Father would give the book, brings John to weep greatly. He is overwhelmed at the unworthiness of all men, and the lack of their importance when faced with this ultimate test of worthiness. It is then, to John’s amazement, that one of the elders in heaven addresses him, saying, “Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals.” (5:5) John’s attention is arrested by this declaration of the revealing of the only Person worthy to take the book. The angel tells him it is the “Lion of Juda, the Root of David,” who has overcome, revealing to all in eternity and all creation, that He IS worthy in the sight of God the Father. It is at this moment that John sees something very peculiar. Instead of seeing a Lion, he sees a Lamb, even one “…as it had been slain.” (v.6) Why? From heaven’s standpoint, the Father sees the overcoming Lion of His Son, who has conquered every foe, and accomplished a perfect work so extraordinary, perfect, and eternal, of redemption, that the worth of heaven is attributed to Him, and Him alone. No one else could have demonstrated by His suffering and death, such character as this only Begotten and Beloved Son, this Son of the Father. Christ alone stands singularly worthy for time and eternity, to receive the reward of His suffering, and victory.
From the standpoint of earth, seen through the eyes of the sinner, who has been saved by the grace and mercy of God, John sees the slain Lamb of God, this One who has taken away the sins of the entire world. John sees not first the Lion because it was primarily by the shedding of the precious blood of the Lamb, that his redemption was purchased. Later on in John’s account of what he saw he would write that he heard the singing of a new song, saying: “Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (v.9) Herein is the worthiness of the Lamb revealed in all of its great splendor. The sacrificial Lamb willingly offered Himself, spotless, helpless, and perfect to God, so that by His love, and the ultimate expression of that love, He should singularly provide the solitary way for sinful man to be saved for time and eternity. This is true, godly worthiness.
Dear Father, Be Thou exalted today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.