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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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Revelation 5:4-7
“I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’ Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the centre of the Throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of Him who sat on the Throne.”
The Ultimate Paradox.
The Ultimate Authority. Initially, no one was found “worthy [enough] to open the scroll” and “its seven seals.” They looked everywhere but none was found either on earth or even in Heaven. John began to weep and the utter despair and devastation of the situation dawned upon him so much so he was totally hopeless and exhausted in his emotions – he wept uncontrollably.
Then an elder approached him and told him to stop weeping, as there was hope. “The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.” Yes, Judah had been elevated to the ‘top tribe’ but who was it? “The Root of David”. Therefore, this was obviously not the great king David, but someone else. Surely not Solomon, and if not, who could it be? The prophecies certainly pointed to One who would come from the tribe of Judah and from David’s line (see Genesis 49:8-12 & Isaiah 9:6-7).
A Majestic King who would overthrow the kingdoms of the world and their wicked authorities once and for all. But He hadn’t been seen yet. But the elder says, “The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David has triumphed.” Wow, I want to see Him; where is He?
John looked and … “saw a Lamb”. Not a “Lion”, “a Lamb”. The word used is that of a ‘wee lamb’. Not a full-sized ram – a wee small lamb – but there is more. It is a lamb “looking as if it had been slain.” How could that have triumphed?
As the old hymn goes…
“In weakness like defeat He won the mead and crown,
Trod all His foes beneath His feet, by being trodden down …”
“Made sin, He sin o’erthrew,
Bowed to the grave destroyed it so, and death, by dying slew.”
Yes, it is a paradox to the human mind. Yes, it may not make obvious sense. Yes, we do have to look twice but the reality is that the “Lamb” that was slain IS indeed “The Lion Of the Tribe Of Judah [who] has Triumphed.”
Yes, the “Lamb” is worthy to take the scroll and open it. There is No one else who “is able” or “worthy” to do it.
Listen, there are far too many people today ignoring the “Lamb” and looking for “the Lion.” But you will never see “the Lion” until you first see the “Lamb… [who has] been slain.” Then, as you continue to look, you will begin to see that it is indeed He who is “the Lion of the Tribe of Judah”. It is He who has triumphed over sin, death and Hell and it is He who will come in all His Divine Glory, Majesty, Power and Authority and reign forever and ever and evermore.
Spend a few moments today looking at the “Lamb” until He is transfigured in your mind and imagination and you see His true identity as “the Lion of the Tribe of Judah [who] has triumphed.”
Oh, if you haven’t realised it by now – the “Lamb” of God, “the Lion of the Tribe of Judah” is called… “JESUS”. He came to “save His people from their sins” (see Matthew 1:21 & John 1:29). He did when He died and rose again.
JESUS is the One who has triumphed and who has total, invincible, unparalleled Ultimate Authority. Hallelujah!
And that is the true meaning of Awesome.
(If you can spare the time now, read to the end of the chapter.)
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