THE LION & THE LAMB
After the Apostle John received the letters addressed to the messengers of the seven churches in Asia, he is transported into the throne room of God. He had previously been told twice by none other than the Lord Jesus to write down what he will see. The first thing he sees is a door that is standing open in Heaven (Revelation 4:1). This is significant because the recipients of this book were living in a day when doors were not opened to them. They were not allowed access to the emperor or to any other leaders in their day. A refusal to bow down to Cesar as Lord, no doubt caused other doors to be slammed shut in their face. How refreshing it must have been to receive word from one so close to the Lord that the door to the ruler of the universe was always open. We are reminded of the words of Hebrews 4:14-16, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as {we are, yet} without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
As John walks through the door, the first object that arrests his attention is the throne. It is "standing!" That is to say it is permanent. It is a forever reminder that Caesers, Kings, Presidents, come and go, however the One who rules in Heaven is unchanging. God has always been in control, and even in our day when it appears that evil is winning, our God is still victorious. He is still in control, and someday, His victory will be ours (1 Corinthians 15:57)! As we study Revelation 4 we are impressed by the centrality of the throne and the One who sits on the throne. Everything in Heaven is about Him. Notice the pronouns in Revelation 4:2-10, "on the throne" (v. 2), "around the throne" (vv. 2-4), "from the throne" (v. 5), "before the throne" and "around the throne" (v. 6), "on the throne" (v. 9), and "before the throne" (v. 10). Notice how everything in Heaven is in relation to, has it's proximity to he throne. We further learn in verses that the entirety of Heaven is focused on the worship of the One who sits on the throne. If we want to grasp the real meaning of worship we should study seriously Revelation 4-5. What a contrast to the worship of so many in our day who are interested in making it all about us, what I want, what I like, what I think is best. May God help us to change our attitudes and our hearts when we come before the Throne to worship Him who is seated there. There is a tremendous note of reverence and respect exhibited in this picture of worship.
When we turn the page to Revelation 5 John notices that the one seated on the Throne has a book in His hand. John sees that it contains writing, but it is sealed. It appears that Heaven and earth were searched for someone who was worthy to open the book. Because no one is found John begins to cry. We are not told why John is weeping. We might surmise that he is eager to learn what is written in the Book. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all of God's people were as eager to learn what is written in God's Book. An elder comes to John and tells him to quit weeping, for someone has been found who can open the Book. We learn that it is the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the root of David (v. 5). This one is not only pictured as a lion, He is also described as a lamb that has been slain (v. 6). The contrast is striking. How could anything be more different than a lion and a lamb. The lion stands for power, strength, might, royalty, will-power. The lamb represents innocence, gentleness, self-control. The lion without the lamb is frightening. The lamb without the lion is disheartening. Put them together, the lion and the lamb, and that is the Gospel. The lion says God can, the lamb says God will. Muhammad, Buddha, and any other religious leader may have the desire the save the world, however none of these have the power. There may be some who have the wealth and power to make the world whole, however they do not have the heart for it. Only God has the power and the desire. Only God can save the world. The lion and the lamb, God can, God will. Praise God!!
Dear Father, we thank You for Your power that can make a difference in our lives, as well as Your heart for wanting to make a difference in our lives. Help us to focus our lives on You. Father, help us when we enter into Your presence to leave our own desires and wishes behind and spend some time doing only what You want us to do.