Much of the book of Revelation is confusing. However, some things are not only clear, but critical to our understanding of God’s message.
In chapter 5, John sees a vision of the throne room of heaven in which a mighty angel appears and asks, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” (verse 2). The scroll contains the message of God. It needs to be heard.
Unfortunately, though they search heaven and earth, no one can do the job (verse 3).
Then, something changes. John is told that, “The Lion of the tribe of Judah… has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll” (verse 5). This lion represents Jesus and, when you think about it, that makes perfect sense.
Lions are fierce, strong and powerful. When John wants to assure the Christians that Jesus is in charge and can handle anything, he compares him to the “King of the jungle.” We need to know that the lion exists.
However, the next verses bring a surprise. “Then I saw a lamb, looking as if it had been slaughtered… he came and took the scroll” (verses 6-7). The picture of Jesus changes from a fierce lion, to a lamb. Lambs are soft, cuddly and are about as threatening as a soap bubble, but, this, too, is a well-known image.
The first time that John the Baptist saw Jesus, he said, “Behold, the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). God’s people knew what the lamb represented. They had sacrificed millions of them over the years to deal with their sins.
Here is the point: we need to know that the lion exists. We need to understand that Jesus is strong, powerful and in charge. He has all authority in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18).
However, it is great to know that Jesus wields that power like a lamb. He is non-threatening, kind and gracious. In fact, he even sacrificed himself so that we could live.
The lion has the power. The lamb gives us access to that power. When you put both of those together, you have the proper picture and a message worth sharing.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
