I saw, in the right hand of him who sat on the throne, a book written inside and outside, sealed shut with seven seals. I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to break its seals?†No one in heaven above, or on the earth, or under the earth, was able to open the book, or to look in it. And I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open the book, or to look in it. One of the elders said to me, “Don’t weep. Behold, the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome; he who opens the book and its seven seals.†     Revelation 5:1-5 (WEB)
I was watching a special on PBS the other night about Haiti. There were pictures and videos of the first days. The people as they walked around, numb with shock and grief at what had happened. I remember the pictures of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. 1800 people were killed in the New Orleans hurricane. 100,000 or more were killed in Haiti. The devastation is unimaginable in my mind. This past week a man I know, husband, father, grandfather, and hero, was killed in a plane crash during a routine training mission. He was planning to retire in the next year. Where was the strong, mighty Lord that I know in all these situations? Right there.
Jesus said that in this world, in this life, I would have suffering. (John 16) He flat out told me that there will be times that life just – well, life will be hard and painful. He also said that He has (already done) overcome the world. In the midst of death, disease, and situations that I cannot understand, my Lord is the only One with answers. He is the One who has overcome death and given eternal life as a free gift!
There are ‘seals’ in my life that seem too strong to be broken. That is a lie. Jesus can break any ‘lie seal’ or ‘sin seal’ that tries to lock me down. It is for me to turn to Him first and ask Him to Break It Open!
I saw, and I heard something like a voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousands of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!â€
I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen.â€
The four living creatures said, “Amen!†The elders fell down and worshiped. Revelation 5:11-14 (WEB)
I do not begin to understand chapters 6-11. Yet. I will continue to read it. Let it percolate in my mind and spirit. God may reveal what He wants me to know about it. Right now, I know that having an encounter with my infinite God takes my finite mind to a place that stretches me! It is when we meet Spirit to spirit that I know a little more about the depth of His love and the expanse of His power.
Enjoy reading chapters 6-11. They are better than any blockbuster movie with special effects!
