“Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll, and it was sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: ‘Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?’ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it. Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it.”
These few verses hold a lot of intrigue for me. We’ve just spent the first four chapters of Revelation getting an inside glimpse into heaven and the throne room of God. There are unusual creatures and twenty-four elders on thrones and this Son of Man glowing figure. Enter the scroll. It is in the right hand of the one who is sitting on the throne. And yet seemingly no one is able to open the scroll.
Why couldn’t the one on the throne open the seal? He seemed like a Messianic/Jesus figure up until this point. I noted a few days ago, however, that there was a lot of metaphor so far. What we know is that the glowing figure on the throne was “like” the Son of Man. But we see here that it isn’t Jesus. Notice also that John’s reaction is bitter weeping. Why is it so crushing that no one can open the scroll? What is written on it?
Imagine this overwhelming and somewhat frightening scene that John has experienced in these first four chapters of Revelation. Things perhaps start to make a little bit of sense when this scroll comes along that no one can open. Clearly the scroll is a symbol of hope. If no one can open the scroll, then what? Is there no hope? The depth of emotion in his bitter tears reminds me of my need for a Savior. OUR need for a Savior. If no one can win the most significant spiritual battles that are happening in the supernatural realm, then what? I have no power to open any supernatural scrolls, I’m sure of that! Take a moment today to sit with your own smallness. If Jesus does not come, no one can save us.