Proper 13 (NTA)

Revelation 5:1-14

Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. ² And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” ³ And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, ⁴ and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. ⁵ And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

⁶ And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. ⁷ And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. ⁸ And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. ⁹ And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll

and to open its seals,

for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God

from every tribe and language and people and nation,

¹⁰ and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,

and they shall reign on the earth.”

¹¹ Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, ¹² saying with a loud voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might

and honor and glory and blessing!”

¹³ And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

¹⁴ And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

I really enjoy this scene in which St John is forced to tears. When St John hears that there is a scroll in which no one has found worthy to open, he began to weep. I don’t know when the last time I wept because someone was not going to read a book to me. Generally, when someone tells me they are going to read a book to me, I would rather watch the movie.

There is only one who is worthy to take this scroll. There is only one who could save his people. There is only one who has ransomed people for God. He is the only one who is worthy. Many people have told themselves they are worthy. Many people think they can earn salvation. Even some may express that they are good enough if not worthy, but they are not.

I know that I am not good enough to go to heaven. St Paul calls himself chief of sinners. St John knows he did not lead a good enough life. There is none of us who is worthy, but the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Jesus Christ our Lord is slain and gives his blood to ransom you. He is worthy to deliver you out of your sins. In the name of Jesus Christ and by his blood You are forgiven.