Devotional:

If you’ve ever toured a historic home, you know you are not allowed to enter some doors. There are staircases you cannot walk on. It can be frustrating and disappointing to stare at these unopened places and imagine what might be inside. Since you don’t have the authority to open them, what lies inside remains a mystery.

In Revelation, John speaks of a scroll “no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open” (Revelation 5:3). John cries because the contents are hidden to him and all. One of the elders comforts John by saying that Jesus can open the scroll. Creatures and elders around Jesus sing, “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…” (Revelation 5:9).

No one else is worthy to open the scroll but Jesus who sacrificed Himself for all. Jesus alone is worthy to be worshipped and in control. No one is able to offer us the gift of life but Him. We don’t have the power to know all the hidden things of life but He does. There will be “whys” we can’t answer. There are next steps we may not see. There is a future we can’t imagine. Jesus holds all of this in His hand.

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12).

Reflect:

• What are you trying to control? What step can you take this week to trust Jesus with this area of your life?
• Have you ever committed to following Jesus? Learn more about what Jesus offers us here.