Closing the Deal
Closing the Deal
“And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 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.”
In the final innings of a baseball game, the manager brings in from the bull pen his best closer to clinch the victory. When a multi-year…multi-billion-dollar contract is on the table, the company brings in their best to close the deal. A sales rep I know has earned the nick name, “Mid-wife.” He delivers. When the prosecution and defense rest, it is the role of the judge to close the case.
“Closers” are those who can bring home the bacon when the heat is on. They are the ones who have control. They have authority. We trust their ability to bring matters to a fitting and fair conclusion for all. Yet, all the athletic games ever played…all the business deals ever cut…all the law cases ever settled fade in comparison to the issue of who is going to bring closure to human history. Who is going to be there at the end to finally make things right?
Revelation 5 is a glimpse of heaven before final events unfold. God Most High is on his throne with a scroll. Seven seals secure the scroll. All must be pulled off before the scroll is opened. Opening the scroll represents the final days of history, and the pulling off the seven seals represents the kind of history we will pass through toward those days. Echoing across the throne room is the resounding question, “Who is worthy?” At first no one is found worthy to open the scroll - close the deal of history God’s way. All the promises through the prophets, all the hopes of the saints, all the blessings of a redeemed world - lost. John weeps and weeps.
But then the one called the Lamb, and the Lion is worthy to bring closure to human history. Why? A. Because he was slain (Rev 5:9). By dying on the cross, Jesus earned the right to open the remainder of redemptive history and lead his people victoriously through it. His wounds point to complete submission to God’s will. What integrity! B. Because he purchased people (Rev. 5:9). Paying in blood he bought all people back for God. Just think - Jesus thinks you’re to die for. What affinity! C. because he made those people a kingdom and priests to serve (Rev 5:10). His life brings a compelling transformation into ours by faith in him. What capability!
No wonder the throne room erupts in worship. Jesus is the only one worthy to bring closure. We can have complete confidence the Lamb will open the seals and scroll. The timing will be right…he will be able to handle it just right… and he will do what is right. Now, if he is worthy because of his integrity, affinity, and capability to step up and deliver at such momentous moments in the future, and he is, can you not trust him for what is on your plate today?