John was urged to cease crying since Jesus had conquered sin and was now qualified to open the scroll and remove its seven seals. Nobody else possessed the legal or moral authority to make these decisions. The elder initially referred to Jesus as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The patriarch Jacob referred to his son Judah as a lion's cub and said that the scepter would not leave him as he blessed his sons, which is found in Genesis 49:9-10. The elder then describes Jesus as the Root of David. The only person with the legal authority to unlock the scroll and read the judgments it held was Jesus, the legitimate descendant of David and heir to the Israelite throne.

The word “slain” tells of the brutal death that Jesus suffered on the cross to atone for our sins. Lambs were offered as sin offerings in the Old Testament, but these were simply a type of Jesus, God's Lamb, who offered His blood as the ideal, final sacrifice for sin. The seven eyes in heaven stand for the Holy Spirit's perfect view of everything that happens on earth, and the seven horns of the Lamb stand for His perfect power.

Although the end times can be intimidating or even scary, these verses urge us to rest in the assurance of Jesus as our sacrificial Lamb, who took upon the death we deserved. We can also rest in the peace found in the Holy Spirit’s perfect view of everything happening on the earth. We may not understand everything that is going on, but we can find rest in knowing that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is coming again.

Querido Padre Celestial,

Mere words do not even begin to offer the praise and thanks You desire for giving Your son to atone for my sins. As a parent, I cannot wrap my mind around giving my own child for the sake of others. The fact that Jesus would follow through and bear the burdens of all that He was subjected to on my behalf is something I can’t imagine doing for those who do not deserve it. The thought that You both love me that much is humbling. I offer You praise for loving me with such a love that I can’t comprehend. I commit to live my life in service to You, Lord. In the precious, loving name of Jesus, Amen.

Pray today’s prayer again, truly thinking about the words you are saying. Then get lost in worship to God as you offer your praise and adoration for all He has done. Make today about Him.