The Lamb Is Worthy

ByJim Stephens

The Lamb Is Worthy

Reading: Revelation 5-9 6 So I looked, and there, surrounded by Throne, Animals, and Elders, was a Lamb, slaughtered but standing tall. Seven horns he had, and seven eyes, the Seven Spirits of God sent into all the earth. 7 He came to the One Seated on the Throne and took the scroll from his right hand. 8 The moment he took the scroll, the Four Animals and Twenty-four Elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb. Each had a harp and each had a bowl, a gold bowl filled with incense, the prayers of God’s holy people. 9 And they sang a new song: Worthy! Take the scroll, open its seals. Slain! Paying in blood, you bought men and women, Bought them back from all over the earth, Bought them back for God. 10 Then you made them a Kingdom, Priests for our God, Priest-kings to rule over the earth. (Revelation 5:6-10 MSG) John’s vision of the conquering Lamb pictures truths Jesus taught:
• Humility before exaltation
• Sacrifice before reward
• Servant leadership
• Right triumphs over wrong This revelation was important to the persecuted believers in a time when they were as powerless before their enemies as Jesus had been before those who crucified him. They needed to know that their Suffering Savior had become their Reigning King, that the Lamb of God was truly the Lion of Judah. You and I also need to know that Jesus told the truth, that he didn’t die in vain, that light overcomes darkness, and that Good triumphs over evil. If we are going to live as Christ’s followers, we need the same confidence the believers near the end of the first century needed. We must know that the way up is the way down, that sacrifice for others is rewarded, that God is watching and keeping track, and that the Good Guys really do win. Prayer: Father, Some days it’s harder than others to keep this in perspective. Help me to think, speak, act, and live as a true follower of the Lamb, not concerning myself with rewards and results, but trusting you with everything. For Jesus Christ, the sacrificial Lamb who became the conquering Lion! Amen.

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