December 15

The Worthy Lamb 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 140:9-13 | Micah 1:1-4:13 | Revelation 6:1-17 | Proverbs 30:1-4

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 6:1-17

“I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a loud voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked and there before me was a white horse! It’s rider held a bow and he was given a crown, and he rode out as conqueror bent on conquest” (Revelation 6:1-2 NIV).

In Chapter 5 and 6, the spotlight of heaven is focused squarely on the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. The scroll whose seals would bring forth the judgment of God upon the earth needed to be opened. The wrongs must be righted. Justice must be brought for the sin of man. But who is worthy to open the scroll?

Jesus, “The Lion of the son of Judah, the Root of David has triumphed” and is worthy to open the scroll. His triumph comes, ironically, by his death on the cross that purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation to become a kingdom and priests to serve our God and reign on the earth.

Then all the angels, multitudes of angels encircle the throne and with the angels sing loudly, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Jesus the one who conquered by his death on the cross, comes to open the scroll. He is the only one worthy to do it. Perfect in holiness and yet perfected by his unjust suffering for mankind’s sin, he comes to bring the “final verdict”: the judgment of God for the sin of mankind and all its ugly effects.

As each seal is broken, a series of events are unleashed on the earth. Christ comes as conqueror over Sin and Death and Hades. He avenges the sin of mankind. All the rulers of the earth stand in awe and hide as judgment is poured out.

We tend to have a negative view of judgment. In the scriptures we find another perspective that views judgment as God’s intervention in the world bringing justice where there has been injustice–righting the wrongs brought by sin.

Sin must be judged, and the worthy lamb that died that we might have life, was the perfect one to mete out the judgment and justice of God in the end times. God is incredibly patient and compassionate. He brings mercy to those who will humble themselves and receive it. But one day, sin and its horrific consequences must be dealt with. Every victim of sin looks to the worthy Lamb, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah to conquer and bring justice once for all.

Worthy is the Lamb!

Lord of Lords, we praise you. King of Kings, we honor you, Worthy is the Lamb! Lion of Judah, bring your reign of righteousness and peace. We place our hopes in the promise of your glorious return. Amen.