I am nearing the end of my reading plan, and this was on of the passages I read this morning.
Revelation 5:1 - 5 (NKJV) 1And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” 3And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. 4So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open £and read the scroll, or to look at it. 5But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and £to loose its seven seals.”
This verse just really cut me to the quick. Here we have a STRONG angel. Think about that, when I think of angel's I have never envisioned a weak one. John is surrounded by heavenly beings and this ONE angel appears strong to him in comparison to the others, There are seals that need to be opened, yet this angels strength can't help him in this task. The angel declares "Who is worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals.
The first thing that hit me was;
1) How often do we attempt to do God's work from our own strengths, talents. When instead maybe we should first seek God's GRACE and HOLINESS?
Then this verse was a little too much for me today.
4So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it and asked myself when was the last time I wept over an area of God's ministry not being accomplished. When I worked with troubled teens and youth, I frequently wept. As an Associate Pastor and visiting sick or dying people, I have wept. In worship or watching a dramatic movie I frequently weep. How many of us cry when our favorite sports team loses the big game?
When have we wept hearing about Christians being murdered for their faith, or missionaries harassed for preaching God's Word. How many of us wept hearing that Gospel.com was closing its doors. Churches every day close, due to finances, pastor failure or childish bickering. I have never shed a tear over that, some of you may have. I have never wept hearing about some big name Minister being caught in a sin so serious it tarnishes God name to the lost.
Lord, I ask your forgiveness, open my heart. Let me have John's vision and weep. Thank you for being worthy, even when we are not!
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