DECEMBER 28 – Reading 362

by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | December 28

“WORTHY IS THE LAMB”
(Revelation 4:1 – 8:1)

“And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?’” — Revelation 5:2

Introduction to Revelation:
Before we dive into our devotion, let me give you a short synopsis of John’s Revelation: Revelation was written by the Apostle John around A.D. 95 during the persecution under Emperor Domitian. Isolated on Patmos, John receives the final revelation of Jesus Christ—the ultimate unveiling of His glory, His authority, and His future victory.

Our church holds a futurist interpretation: Revelation’s visions describe literal events that will occur in a future Tribulation, culminating in Christ’s physical return, His millennial reign, final judgment, and the new heaven and new earth.

Although sometimes misunderstood, Revelation is not a book of confusion. It is a book of confidence. It shows how the Lamb brings history to its destined conclusion.

Heavenly Perspective
As this year comes to an end, I take time to reflect on the events of the year. There were moments when everything felt uncertain—health scares, financial pressure, relationship strain, unexpected blessings, and some heartbreaks I never would have chosen. If honest, there were moments when it felt like no one was in control. Maybe you can relate?

Revelation begins by pulling back the curtain and showing us the truth we forget: there is a throne, and Someone is sitting on it. When John’s world looked shattered—exiled on an island, separated from his congregation—Jesus showed him heaven so he could see earth rightly again.

This is precisely how we end our year: by lifting our eyes to the throne.

The Throne Room and the Worthiness of Christ (Revelation 4–5)
John sees a throne—the immovable center of the universe. Around it, unending worship erupts. But then the question that haunts the universe emerges:  “Who is worthy to open the scroll?”  Who can execute God’s plan? Who can bring justice, restore creation, and reverse the curse?  Who can put an end of Satan’s destructive rule of earth? No one in heaven or on earth qualifies. John weeps—until he sees Him:  The Lion who is the Lamb—slain, standing, victorious.

John hears Heaven’s worshippers singing a new song about the worthiness of Jesus, singing:

“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.” 

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might 

and honor and glory and blessing!” 

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

Only Jesus is Worthy!
Only Jesus can open the scroll and set in motion the first wave of tribulation judgments: Riders bring conquest, war, famine, and death. Martyrs cry out for justice. Cosmic disturbances shake humanity awake. Yet even in judgment, God appeals for repentance. At every stage of Revelation, His justice is redemptive—designed to bring people back before wrath is final.

Jesus had described this in Matthew 24—the beginning of birth pains, the rise of conflict, and the progression toward His return. The seals reveal that Jesus is not reacting to history—He is directing it.

Key Thought:
When life feels out of control, Revelation reminds us that everything is under the authority of the One who is worthy.

Applications:

1. Re-center your life around the throne. After a full year of reading through Scripture, step into the final days of this year with the confidence that the Lamb reigns.

    

2. Worship brings clarity.  As in Revelation 4–5, worship clears the fog and anchors the soul.

    

3. Entrust your story to the One who writes history. No part of your year was wasted. Christ is the Author of your future.

    

Reflection Questions:

• Where did I feel “out of control” this year, and how does Revelation reorient my perspective?

• What part of my life needs to bow again before Christ’s throne?

Closing Prayer:
Jesus, You are worthy. Worthy of glory, honor, and power. Worthy to open the scroll. As I end this year, center my heart on You alone. Help me worship You with renewed awe, trust You with my unanswered questions, and rest in Your sovereign plan. Amen.