Evening Scripture

Revelation, Chapter 5
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. Then one of the elders said to me, “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.”

Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!”
The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Evening Reflection 

Many parts of our days shrink our capacity to notice and acknowledge the glory of God. Think about the times we often prepare for sleep, too exhausted from work and home obligations, to pause and consider a wider vision for our lives. To remember the grace of our Lord. To acknowledge His great glory.  

John’s vision in tonight’s Scripture reading, though, reorients and refreshes our perspective. Readers are whisked into a heavenly scene where the ultimate matter of justice is discussed. Who will open the scroll that will bring justice for those who experienced pain and suffering at the hands of others? No one alive can bring perfect, righteous justice. No one but the living Lamb who steps forward. We recognize Him as Jesus, who was called the Lamb of God in John’s Gospel (John 1:29). He alone is worthy of opening the scroll (Revelation 5:9).   

The One who gave His life for us, willingly enduring death on the cross, is the same One who stands at the center of the throne and who will open the scroll to ensure justice will come to our broken world. By looking with John at the Worthy Lamb, we find ourselves in awe of His love and majesty. As the multitudes in heaven sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise” (Revelation 5:12, NIV).  

Meditating on this image of Christ helps broaden our vision, which can become narrowed amid the challenges of everyday life. Perhaps tonight we can refresh our perspective by joining the angels and saints in worshiping Jesus and declaring His glory.  

Evening Prayer 

Great Lamb of God,
Who was slain for the sins of the world, and mighty Lion of Judah who rose victorious, defeating death, help me to regularly assume a worshipful posture of heart that enables me to stand in awe of You. Too often, I am overwhelmed by the problems that come my way. I become distracted and dull-eyed, unable to see beyond the limits of challenges. But in thinking of You, I am reminded of the gift of grace You have given, and my dependence on You in all areas of life. Wonder fills me as I consider Your worthiness to receive all honor, glory, and praise. I worship You.
Amen.

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