May 30: PREVAILER WITH GOD

So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” Revelation 5:4-5

Those moments of silence following the strong angel ‘s poignant question (v.2) brought a sense of overwhelming grief to the heart of John. His weeping could be described as wailing or deep sobbing. Although he was greatly privileged to be shown the vision of Revelation, John was still a man living on the earth. In this moment, we can be encouraged by a difference we discover between a follower of Christ still living on the earth as compared to one of the firstfruits of the redeemed, already a resident in heaven. John’s mournful cries were interrupted by the cheerfully knowing voice of one of the elders, a brother in Christ! Up to that point, John had been merely an observer of the heavenly vision. This was personal interaction in the heavenly setting. “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed . . .”

The elder’s declaration stopped John’s tears; he could see again! The words describing the Savior were very familiar and comforting to John as a Scripture-believing Jew. Just before Jacob died in Egypt, he spoke to his twelve sons. To Judah was given a Messianic prophecy: “Judah is a lion’s whelp… the scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet… And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.” (Genesis 49:9,10)

The Root of David was also readily understood by John. Jesus had been established as the Son of David (Matthew 1:1), a beloved king in the Messiah’s lineage. But, as Creator, Jesus was also known to be the very Source, Foundation, or “Root” of David. Interestingly, Jesus had tapped into this subject to stump the Pharisees by quoting from Psalm 110:1 (see Matthew 22:41-46). The Jews (9:27; 12:23) and even some Gentiles (15:22) were very familiar with King David’s name in the Messiah’s lineage.

“. . . prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” The word prevailed cannot be over-emphasized as a key salvation term. When Jacob wrestled with God, saying “I will not let You go unless You bless me” (Genesis 32:26), God was very pleased! And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.” (v.28) The name Israel means overcomer with God or prevailer with God. The man Christ Jesus was tested more severely than any man who ever lived, and He overcame every trap and snare of the enemy. He, the ultimate Overcomer, has indeed prevailed. He has prevailed so thoroughly and completely—and all on our behalf—that He invites and empowers repentant sinners to rule and reign with Him. Do you have any idea how much you are loved?

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21