Our Eternal Hope - Part 1

Our Eternal Hope - Part 1

We rarely think of the book of Revelation as a practical guide on how to live. It’s apocalyptic in nature. It’s not really a book of encouragement or a theological treatise like the letters of the Paul, James, Peter and John. Nor is it a book about history, like Acts, or what we believe about Jesus, like the Gospels and Hebrews. It’s not like any other book of the Bible. It’s a book about the future.

The thing that makes Revelation so intriguing is that we are given the thrill of standing in the shoes of the Apostle John, as he is given a guided tour through the last days of mankind on this earth. Chapters 4 and 5 set the stage for what is to follow.

In Revelation 5, the Apostle John is standing before the throne of God, watching as events rapidly unfold. In chapter 4, he saw and experienced some amazing things but now he is about to witness one of the greatest events in all of human history ... the opening of the seven seals which will release the four horsemen and begin the apocalypse.

While taking in the events at the throne he notices a scroll in the right hand of God. A “strong angel” announces that someone is needed to take the scroll and open it but there is no one in all of mankind who is found worthy to do such a thing. Not a single person is qualified.

This disturbs John so much that he begins to openly weep. All of creation is there and all are found lacking. The Seraphim which surround the throne of God, the 24 Elders sitting on their thrones, all of the angels-myriads and myriads of them. Every earthly creature, human or otherwise, is waiting to see what will happen. Every created being is there at the throne of God, yet not one of them is worthy to open the scroll!

John is devastated. As He weeps uncontrollably, one of the elders announces that there IS someone who is worthy.

Who is it? Who can possibly step forward and open the scroll? We’ll learn the answer tomorrow.