John, standing in heaven, sees a scroll—an ancient book. Somehow he knows that everything that matters is wrapped up in this scroll. But the scroll is sealed, and nobody knows how to break the seals. It’s locked—and nobody has the key, nobody has the password.
Father God Himself doesn’t choose to open the scroll. No angel can do it. No human can do it. All John can do is weep. But then one of the elders seated next to God’s throne speaks. “Don’t cry,” he says. “There is someone who earned the right to open the scroll. That someone is Jesus.” (Revelation 5:5)
What happens when you open the scroll? Judgment comes. History ends. Eternity begins.
Why can’t anybody open the scroll? Because too much is at stake. Every precious person that God loves has no defense against judgment until he or she is hidden in Christ.
What is the message? God is protecting His children from judgment. We may have troubles, but the judgment of God does not fall on us. There is a very important difference. In judgment, God is letting the wicked humanity know what He thinks of sin. In our troubles, God removes impurities so He can reveal what is beautiful inside us and inside God.
Do you have troubles? If you are a believer, your troubles are not a report card on your performance. Your troubles are an opportunity for God.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
