In Revelation 5, the Apostle John becomes part of the vision he receives from heaven. He weeps bitterly because a universal search is made for someone who is worthy to open the Scroll of Destiny held in God’s right hand. Alas, no one is found who can do so. That means God’s good plans for the world will be thwarted. His vision for human redemption and cosmic restoration cannot be realized. In the end, evil wins, and all hope is lost. John is devastated. But then he’s invited to see that the Lion from the tribe of Judah is able to open the scroll. He turns to look, but instead of seeing a lion, he sees a lamb—slain yet risen—who is worthy to open the scroll. The message is clear: only Jesus can bring history to its rightful conclusion. That’s why all the hosts of heaven give Jesus the same response they give to Almighty God—exuberant praise and heartfelt worship. Indeed, God’s redemption in Christ transforms our outlook from despair to worship. Thanks to Jesus, the human race is never without hope because history itself will be redeemed.

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