June 7: COME AND SEE

Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” Revelation 6:1

The pinnacle event of chapters 4 and 5, the voluntary giving of the scroll by God the Father and the voluntary acceptance of the scroll by His Son, is followed by its opening. The authority to open and read (4:5) this scroll is given entirely to the Lamb. The fact that Jesus is referred to in this way, after all of the ignominy and cruelty that He suffered, highlights a basic difference between good and evil, light and darkness.

We must hearken back to the tabernacle in the wilderness. The people of God were being taught the plan of salvation. The innocent lamb sacrificed, illustrated the concept of substitutionary death, thus pointing forward to the Savior. No part of the instructions for carrying out this ordinance involved torturing the lamb (or any of the animals in the ceremonial ordinances). Of course, the Almighty could see ahead of time the self-appointed role of the rebellious one. Satan, by working through people who had yielded themselves to him, expressed his hatred toward the Son of God in the form of vicious and cruel treatment. Having attempted to prevent the Messiah from ever entering onto the world stage (Genesis 4:8, Exodus 1:15-16; Matthew 2:16, and countless attempts against the persons and lineages of Abraham and David), the usurper took up his pretended “charge” (but he is not in charge) to prevent the continuation of salvation’s plan. If Jesus could be insulted enough, reviled enough, beaten enough, scourged enough, then He would certainly lash out sharply in His own defense. Even the cross itself was designed to be a slow, torturous death. Surely the Son of God, as He hung there alive, would let loose with angry curses against these torturers . . . . yet He opened not His mouth (Isaiah 53:7 KJV).

Beloved, this is Who is truly in charge! The sealed scroll of chapters 4 and 5 is authoritatively unsealed by the humble Lamb. The events that play out as the result of the unsealing will be a display of the freedom to choose, which is at the core of pure Love. Our Savior is proactive in carrying out the plan of salvation, while His sworn enemy has chosen to be proactive in preventing it. Each of us is free to choose exactly who it is that we will follow.

The four living creatures who surround the throne of God are close to Him because they want to be there. The number four is representative of creation, following after three, which illustrates the triune nature of Almighty God. These four living creatures reflect God’s own character. No wonder this one speaking sounds like Him—a voice like thunder!—as John (and we also) are invited to “Come and see” the events that accompany the breaking of the seals. The first living creatures is said to be like a lion (4:7), so his thunderous voice might also be compared to the roar of the Lion of the tribe of Judah (5:5). It is interesting that the first spoken words of Jesus recorded by John in his gospel account convey an invitation to enter into the continuous activity of learning from the greatest Teacher. Though it begins here and now, it need never end…

Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” John 1:38-39a