September 7 Jesus, the Lion

Revelation 5:1-5 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. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. 5 But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
 
WHO is worthy? Our Savior Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah – majestic and powerful – Jesus is worthy to open the scroll sealed in God’s perfection. There is no other in heaven, on the earth or below the earth. Only Jesus has perfectly obeyed the Father. The Lion has honored you with his majestic power and sacrificial love. Put away your tears and be of faith. The crucified and risen One is worthy to reveal the future held in the Father’s hand.
    The apostle John would certainly need this great encouragement. He is at the end of his life, exiled and alone because of his faith. But then the Father’s revelation confirms to John, “the one Jesus loved” (John 20:2c) how deep, long, high and wide his love is for John and for his church. The Lord sustains, too, the precious truth that all in Jesus are given the right to become children of God (John 1:12c). The perfect Lion of Judah is worthy to receive the true scroll from the Father’s hand.  
    As the Father sent Jesus to earth to declare salvation, the Father has now sent Jesus to alert the church to coming conflict and Jesus’ coming glory. Jesus will reveal a terrible time of turmoil and joyous time of heaven’s glory to come. We must always understand our worldly trials are steps toward heaven’s joy.
    As the scripture describes Jesus opening the seven seals, we will witness evil raging against God’s holiness and your salvation. Keep your heart and mind firm against the bad news. Be centered, instead, on the Good News of salvation. Remember victory belongs to the Lord and to those who believe he is the Lamb of God: 1 John 5:4-5 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 
    What are your struggles today? What sin may be raging against you, striving to control your life? Look to the Holy God. His perfect Word, the Living Christ, will strengthen you to confidently, triumphantly walk in the joy of your salvation.   
 
Prayer: Dear Jesus, you are my conquering Savior. Thank you for the gift of faith that gives me the victory of eternal life. Amen.