Revelation 5

Revelation 5

If Chapter 4 shows us the universe from its true perspective, that it is centered on God, this chapter does the same with God's plan. It seems at times that the world is becoming completely unglued. We look about us, and all we can see is the apparent triumph of evil. If we are pessimistic by personality, the world offers us plenty of evidence to support our opinions. If we are trying to be realistic, the preponderance of the evidence seems to trend toward bad news. It seems that to be an optimist, we must somehow detach from reality and have a Pollyanna disregard for evil around us. The answer is not to be realistic, optimistic, or pessimistic, but rather to have faith in God and His plan. 

We see God on His throne holding a book. It is His plan, His will, and it is all He wants done and accomplished. The plan is sealed perfectly with seven seals. It is God's perfect plan that perfectly makes all the confusing parts of the universe fit together. This plan is locked up until someone good enough can open it and set things in motion. This wonderful, beautiful, and glorious plan seems thwarted, and the loss is so profound that John starts to cry. This is no little cry, rather the wail of great loss that hurts to the core of his very being. It is as if it would have been better if the whole universe had not existed than for this moment to have come about. The hopeless despair we feel as we look about us is multiplied by every pain and care in every place and time, and John breaks down under the sorrow. 

Then comes the word that is possibly the greatest word in Scripture, “Stop weeping; behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah.” It is Jesus that will accomplish or has accomplished all that God desires. This description is not about chronology but the character of the hero of the story. The plan will work because the Lamb that was slain is worthy. The cascading voices of the saints, the leaders, and holy creatures that are beyond description and imagination join together to sing the praises of this Lamb that was slain.

When we are given to discouragement and despair by the world around us, we need to recall this command, “Stop crying.” The bad news is not the real news. Yes, things can be bad, but when we look at Jesus and what He has and will accomplish, we realize the answer is not our optimism or pessimism or perception, but God's plan fulfilled in Christ.

Lord, in this broken world I need You to help me keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, AMEN”