Translate

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Getting stuck in the slime

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. The scroll in Revelation 5 may be considered the “last will” of sinful humanity. 

 

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?") Happiness is an ideal that is highly interpretive, subject to fleeting emotions, and dependent on whatever "spin doctors" are in our head.

 

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!


No comments: