The Great Paradox in the Book of Revelation
One of the great paradoxes in Scripture is in the Book of Revelation. The Apostle John has been brought into the Throne Room where God is on the throne. In God’s right hand is the Scroll which, when opened, releases His plan to deal with evil and make things right. But not just anybody can open the Scroll. It’s sealed with Seven Seals. John sees a mighty angel cry out:
“Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll to look into it...”
John weeps that no one is able to open it, until one of the Elders says:
“Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:2-3, 5
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The Lion of Judah
Of course! The mighty Lion of Judah is able. He has conquered! That makes sense. But then John turns to see the Lion and instead he sees a Lamb. A Lamb that was slain.
And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
John sees Jesus, the Lamb of God, with seven horns representing perfect strength, and seven eyes showing perfect wisdom. The Lion of Judah has won the victory through surrendering His life as the Lamb of God. And the results of this radical offering?
And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying:
“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...”
What power-move are we asking God for today? What mighty rescue? And what if He says “My way may feel more like surrender than victory?” Although things are not as they seem, God is always faithful. Trusting God – even to the point of surrender – will always bring about His great work.
~Pastor Chuck