Peace comes only from the Lion, who is a Lamb! (Second Advent)

In chapter 5 of Revelation we see that the apostle John wept for his brothers and sisters in the faith. John wept for real people he knew who lost their jobs and homes and businesses for the sake of the Gospel. John wept for real people he knew who were in prison for the sake of the Gospel. John wept for real people he knew who were martyred for the Gospel. John wept for the small, struggling churches who did not compromise when it came to their faith in God and his Christ. John wept because all their faith and labour would count for nothing if God’s eternal plan of grace, is not accomplished.  

But John is given a command. "Do not weep." "Stop your crying and lamentation."

(Rev 5:5) "See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed."

Someone is worthy.  He is of the human race. He is of David’s seed and he is worthy and able to bring God's eternal purposes to pass.   

This worthy One is called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah." This is an image of strength and majesty. Like this king of beasts, Judah produced a King to whom all nations will bow in obedience  

The Lion “has triumphed."  He has conquered.  He has won the victory.  

And then John saw that the Lion is a Lamb.

The Lamb has triumphed and therefore is a Lion. The details of how he has triumphed are noted.  The Lamb was looking “as if it had been slain" (Rev 5:6). The Lamb bears the wounds and marks of slaughter. John saw a Lamb that was slain for the sins of the people on the Great Day of Atonement. John is talking about the cross of Christ.  

The Lion is a Lamb.   He triumphed by going the way of the cross and the grave, by ascending into heaven, by sending his Spirit.  

God's plan for the universe, written on God’s unique scroll, which is God’s complete plan of salvation, will be revealed and most certainly be set into motion. God's plan to judge, to save and to restore divine peace, will become a reality.     

When the Lion who is a Lamb took the scroll, the four living creatures around the throne of God, and the 24 elders fell down before him and sang a new song. This was followed by the voice of thousands upon ten thousand angels. They also sang.  They worshipped Jesus.

We too should sing a new song, to the Lamb who is a Lion.

To Jesus who is Peacemaker, eternal Lord. Saviour for ever!

He is worthy to grant us the peace of God! 

Yes, Jesus can!