May 3

In the fifth chapter of Revelation, we see a possible miniature of the grand play which the Author of history has written. There God has a scroll in his hand, possibly a symbol of the script which he has written, indicating the role of every person who would ever come to be.

But it is a sealed scroll (v. 1). Who but God alone could possibly know such a thing? And who but God alone is worthy to open the seals that keep this knowledge hidden from those most affected by it, the actors in the play? That is the very question that an angel asks in this vision which John received from God:

"Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" (v. 2.)

It is a fundamental need of human beings to know why they exist, to know the purpose of their lives. Without such knowledge, the only proper response is that of John, who wept and wept because no one could open the scroll (v. 4).

Many people today live lives of sorrow because they do not know why they exist. They may fool themselves that they are having fun and enjoying life apart from God, but because they do not know why they exist, for Him, inside they are desperate and weeping. For them the scroll remains shut--and they cry out for life.

Scripture for today: Revelation 5
Thought for today: God holds in his hand the scroll of my life and its meaning.
Prayer for today: Lord God, open up the scroll of my life; let me see more every day the gracious and wonderful life you have designed for me to live in you.

MAY 03