“Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?’ And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, ‘Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.’
“Between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,
‘Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.'” Revelation 5:6-10
John’s realization that none was worthy to open God’s scroll, to initiate His providential and perfect issuance, brought him to deep weeping over the chasm. At the fallenness of man. At the greatness of God as One due respect and awe. At the sobering privilege to be watching, and recording. Into this heart agony the sight of the Lamb captivated his senses and soul. It is hard to imagine that he did not also fall down, join in song, and take up the reverent wonder and praise of the living creatures and elders. Such a vision revealed both unimaginable other-ness and immanent worthiness that demanded a response.
Gazing at the Lord, worthy of all glory and honor and power, and seeing Him as the only One able to take and open the scroll, elicited new recognition and a new song. The illumination of mind and soul instills an irrepressible urge to praise. We cannot see the Lord, as described in Scripture or experienced in our personal lives, and not bow, make music with hand and mouth, and pray. Bring it on! (Revelation 4:2-11)
As sadness and hardship swell and threaten to undo us, will we keep looking for the Lord Jesus in the midst? Will we bring our weeping as incense and offer it before Him who bore our griefs and sorrows and gives sure hope? How will we recount His worth and worthiness? What specific praises can compose a new song to Him? How will we proclaim, with attitude and action, that He alone is worthy to receive worship and execute His will? (Isaiah 53:3-6)
Lord, affix my eyes to You standing and worthy, and cause me to sing.
As the rain and snow 