Despair in Heaven?

2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits[a] of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
    and with your blood you purchased for God
    persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.   Revelation 5:2-9 NIV Bold and Italics mine

Recently I had the privilege to participate in our 9th annual public reading of the entire Bible. Like a marathon we ask people to read for 15 minutes and then pass the reading baton to the next person. We have around 200 people participate to make it through the 80 continuous hours. So thankful to all of the readers.

 I read today’s blog passage while reading in the book of Revelation. John wept and wept because no one was found worthy to open the scroll.  Can you feel his sadness and despair? Did you notice their search? They looked throughout heaven, no one. They looked over the earth, no one. They looked under the earth (those buried and dead), no one. John wept until the angel pointed to a savior, Jesus, the lamb of the tribe of Judah.

None of us were created with the capacity to save ourselves to stand before God holy. NONE. There is a despair that will come when you realize that your best efforts are not enough. You do not have what it takes to save yourself.

In this life, I see two truths that are provided to help us make it through. One, we need to meet our savior so that He knows us. Two, we need to be engaged in the body of Christ.

A Savior

Our savior is depicted as a Lamb who was slain. He bears the marks of sacrifice from the beatings of the trial,  and the scars of the crucifixion. Our minds struggle to think that our Jesus became our savior by laying down his life, instead of fighting for it. At least in the traditional thoughts of blow for blow. Later, Jesus comes riding on a white horse prepared for the battle of ages.

The innocent blood that Jesus shed was received as the full payment to make us holy before God. Jesus knows those who have been washed in His blood. Those who bend the knee of a prideful heart and confess Jesus as Lord and their Savior are cleansed of their sins. Those who receive Jesus become children of God, not by their own will and strength, not because their parents were Christian, not because someone made you convert. Humbly receiving Jesus into your heart is to receive your Savior

Jesus told a crowd that many will not make it into heaven. But they will argue that they have done many things for Him. They went to church, gave to the poor, forgave people. Jesus answered, depart from Me, I never knew you. It doesn’t matter so much if you know who God is and what He has done…does He know you?

Do everything necessary to secure a personal knowledge of a relationship with Him and He with you. Have you received your Savior? Does He know you?

The Body of Christ

When we become children of God, the Holy Spirit assigns your part in the Body of Christ. Only Jesus is the head of the Body, directing it to live, breathe and move to the glory of God the Father. You were created to need others and they will need you. 

One part of the Body is insufficient to do everything that God desires for a person to do. The feet move the body, the hands make things happen, the eyes see direction, the lungs keep the body alive with constant refilling of air. Every part has a function to fulfill for the health of the Body.

The goal is to know what your part is in the body of Christ and do your part while receiving from the other parts of the body. The body of Christ needs YOU. The Holy Spirit knew exactly what He was doing when He engrafted you into the body of Christ. Your engagement helps the Body of Christ function in a healthy way. You are needed. Ask the Spirit to help you be effective in your role.

You also need the rest of the Body to help you in your journey. Dependency may not be fun (working with other people can be a challenge – they have to work with you 🙂). But you need them for your own health.

The fruit of the Spirit that you bear is for others to enjoy. Others will eat the fruit of your kindness, patience, goodness, and love. You also will benefit from the Body of Christ bearing fruit that you need from them, peace, goodness, joy, and gentleness. It was designed by our heavenly Father for each of us to grow into maturity together by loving one another and working together with one another.

John’s despair in heaven ended when He saw the Lamb of God. Those who reject this Savior, Jesus,  will never cease in their despair throughout eternity. He was already present in Heaven, but John did not recognize Him until someone pointed Him out. We have the privilege of sharing about Jesus. The Holy Spirit will bring revelation of sight and understanding of Jesus the Savior of the world and for them personally as we point Him out for them.

John’s weeping turned to joy, Heaven erupted in worship. Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lamb who was slain. He is worthy. And they fell down and worshiped again and again.

Blessings 

Love y’all