The Lion and the Lamb

Read: Revelation 5

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! (v. 12)

As John cries because no one can open the scroll, an elder speaks to him, and the action picks up. There is one who is able! It is “the Lion of Judah” who has triumphed—it is the promised Messiah (v. 5). John looks but instead of a Lion he sees a Lamb, mortally wounded but alive. Jesus is both! When he died, he triumphed over all evil powers, human and non-human. He arose from the grave, was crowned, seated on God’s throne, given all authority (Phil. 2:9-11). That was the decisive battle in this history-long war.

Now we must occupy the King’s retaken territory. But not by force: he loves the rebels, and wants none to perish (Rom. 5:8; 2 Peter 3:9). There’s still time to change sides, but the King’s terms are unconditional surrender. We’re all assigned to our present circles of influence until he reassigns us.

Jesus takes the scroll! The elders with harps and golden incense bowls filled with prayers lay down their crowns and sing with the cherubim: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain” (v. 9 NIV). John sees countless angels surrounding the elders. Around them, all kinds of animals! All sing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (v. 13) —Ruth Siemens

As you pray, ask God for courage to tell others about the Lamb who was slain for them.