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Morning Thoughts |
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Revelation
5:3, "And no man in heaven, nor in earth,
neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon." This morning, people continue to be presented with options that are not comprehensive. What we mean by that is that the options they are given are not all the options available. People can be swayed into thinking a certain thing if they believe the list of choices before them is exhaustive. One of the errors in thinking (termed logical fallacies) is that "if you are not with us, you must be with them." Such scenarios are very often misleading as there are other choices besides the two presented. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to search out a matter so that we do not become despondent in choosing an undesirable option when the proper choice is veiled from lack of study and research. In our thoughts this morning, we will look at a revelation that removes despondency when one realizes the option that was not seen before. In the verse above, John is having visions that will lead into the heavenly portals to see the rejoicing of the heavenly host that praises the Lamb throughout all eternity. But, before John sees this wonderful scene, he will weep much due to the fact of not considering an option that removes that sorrow. Notice that John searches out (to a degree) a question posed by an angel in the preceding verse. The angel queries who is worthy to open the book and loose the seals? So, the task falls to John to search and see. What John finds brings sorrow in that his investigation searched three places to no avail: heaven, earth, and under the earth. Inspired Scripture declares that no man in those places was found worthy to undertake this effort and answer the angel's question. So, are we to conclude that there is no one worthy? Did John fully search out all the options? Continued reading reveals One that is worthy and did prevail to fulfill the task of opening the book and loosing the seals thereof. The options that John considered were vast but not exhaustive. What place did John not search? He searched heaven, earth, and under the earth, but the One that is worthy prevailed when He was suspended BETWEEN heaven and earth. When we understand that it took the GodMan to redeem us to God, we must includethat place at Calvary between heaven and earth to avoid the sorrow that John experienced. The angel comforts John in that the Lion of the tribe of Judah has prevailed to open the book and loose the seals thereof. How was that accomplished? When He suffered at Calvary as no man has suffered, endured the cross despising the shame thereof, and laid down His life for the sheep, He entered into the holy place not made with hands with His own precious blood. This offering was accepted in the sight of Almighty God that we are perfected forever. What makes this choice relevant even to this hour is that it took both God and man to redeem us. The proper Mediator needed to be able to lay His hand upon both parties to bring the peace of reconciliation. So, when one asks today, "Was Jesus God or man?" what is the answer? The answer is that neither choice tells the story properly. The answer is both as that is the only option that prevents us from sorrowing as others which have no hope. We would have no hope in this world if Jesus was just a man that walked this earth 2000 years ago. We would have no hope if Godhad left us to our own devices that would merit being spurned from His presence eternally. But, beloved, there is great hope that saves and sustains us in the knowledge that our Lord has been where we are, suffered what we suffer, and bore what we will never bear. He took part of the same, and victoriously redeemed us from the curse of the law to be with Him in heaven forevermore. Because of this most blessed knowledge, we can take solace in knowing that His children will all be with Him without the loss of one. No matter our failings, nothing keeps Him from His purpose. We may sleep and slumber, but thanks be unto God that whether we wake or sleep we shall live together with Him who died for us. (I Thessalonians 5:10) Finally, notice that the heavenly host later in Revelation 5 is praising one name. There is no other worthy to do what He did, and therefore, no other will be given the praise up there, "Worthy art Thou!" The song that is strung for all eternity is that our Redeemer is both Lion and Lamb. He is both Priest and Offering. He is both God and Man. He has redeemed us when no one else could. Let us praise Him here while we have strength and breath, seek His favour and not our own, for that is the substance of heaven. Let us earnestly press toward it here, for with these sacrifices and offerings, He is well pleased.  In Hope, Bro Philip |