“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, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10)
John draws our attention to the scroll that God holds. He knows it is very important because it has writing on both sides and is sealed with 7 seals. The scroll is God’s revelation of what will happen, perhaps containing the names of all those who will inherit the Kingdom of God. John weeps thinking that if no one can open it then God’s will may be delayed causing further suffering to come upon his fellow believers. But an angel tells him that the Lion of the tribe of Judah can open it for only He is worthy to do so. As John turns to see the Lion he sees instead a Lamb that looks like it has been slain, killed, sacrificed, yet is alive. The Lamb has 7 horns, symbolizing sovereignty over all things, and 7 eyes symbolizing wisdom and omniscience. John and his audience know that this Lamb is Jesus.
This shows us that our path to glory lies not through human means of fame, wealth or political power, military might and violence but through weakness, suffering and martyrdom as we follow in the footsteps of the Lamb who redeemed us.
This amazing paradox inspires the emotional praise and worship of the living creatures, the elders and the angels. We Lutherans are quite familiar with these words as we sing them during the Sundays after Easter in the hymn This Is The Feast. What was sung in heaven demonstrates to us what praise and singing ought to be about. The heavenly chorus sings exactly what God has done which is so glorious. And as they do this they demonstrate that the Lamb is Almighty God Himself: only God Himself is worthy of such praise and adoration for He alone possesses the sovereignty, wisdom and might that Jesus possesses. Their praise shows us that our praise ought to be centered on Him and what He has done, not on self. In this way we remember His trustworthy nature and unfailing love. Thus we are encouraged and strengthened as we focus on Him and His glorious works!