May 13, 2020 (Wednesday)
What happens when we get stuck in the slime of the situation? When something unexpected
happens? When it seems like no progress can be made? John had this experience in
Revelation 5.
John is now presented
with a quandary that seems to stop the progression of the vision: “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” [Revelation 5:1 – 4 NIV]. In
chapter 4 we witnessed the worthiness of the One on the throne. Now an
invitation is issued for someone worthy of taking a scroll out of HIS hand. Who could possibly be powerful enough? Who could possibly be worthy? Who could possibly have the right?
The expression
“saw” or “looked” occurs often in Revelation, so often that John is sometimes
nicknamed the “Seer.” What John sees is a scroll written on both sides with
seven seals. Ezekiel was given a scroll written on both sides to eat (Ezekiel
2:10). A Roman will was sealed with the seals of seven witnesses. A seal could only be broken by
the person for whom the sealed document was intended. Anyone else opening a sealed document risked
death.
Notice nobody in
heaven, or earth, or under the earth could open this scroll. This is connected to supremacy of Jesus found
in Philippines 2:9 – 11: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and
gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every
knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue
acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
[NIV]
Again we see a threefold emphasis. However, the significance is that no angel
(or heavenly creature), no human, and no fallen angel (demon) is worthy to
break the seals. Satan would like to
take God’s place, and humans have tried (and are trying) to take the place of
God; but this worth must be earned. At the sight of this impasse, John has an
emotional reaction, “Then I began to weep
bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it.” [Revelation
4:4 NLT]
John’s weeping sets in because he understands the importance of this scroll and the necessity of the scroll being opened. He and the vision is stuck at this point. Yet, how many time do we find ourselves stuck? Depression, despair, and despondency are not uncommon among believers.
While it is true the every Christian is a victorious one; it is myth
that every Christian is a happy one. In fact, the Bible never mentions “happy.”
It does say “blessed,” and promises peace
and joy, but never happiness. The Bible does indicate we will be persecuted,
face pressure, and even flounder in unpredictable circumstances. (Does that sound like "happy?")
Most of us have heard of “post-traumatic stress disorder.” Did you know there is a thing called “post-traumatic growth?” According to Psychology Today it is, “the positive psychological change that some individuals experience after a life crisis or traumatic event.” The key is to “recognize and embrace new opportunities.” Or as Paul put it, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” [Philippians 4:11b ESV] Contentment is a learned skill. We learn skills by choice. Specifically how we choose to respond to circumstances. It is a choice how we interpret and define the meaning of those circumstances.
Or we can
chose to stay stuck in the slime. It takes less energy and is more fun. It relieves us (falsely) of responsibility. However, those who follow Jesus have one very
important resource we can chose to use. In the darkness there is a light of
truth, as John discovered.
In this, the only dark moment in heaven, something
remarkable happens. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s episode!
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