Victorious Victim
Opening Prayer
Recall someone you know who is a victim of accusations, teasing or persecution, and pray for them.
Read REVELATION 5:1-14
[1] Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. [2] And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” [3] But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. [4] I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. [5] 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.” [6] Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center 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. [7] He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. [8] And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. [9] And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. [10] You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” [11] Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. [12] In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” [13] Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” [14] The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Who or what was worthy to open the scroll?God is firmly established on the throne, and then John sees the important scroll with seven seals (1). The fact that there was no one who was worthy to open the scroll was distressing until the Lion of Judah appeared (5).
Jesus is the victim, represented as a Lamb that still shows the marks of suffering (6). He is also the victorious Lion, with authority and power (5). But it is Jesus the victim, sacrificed for us all, who takes center stage. The Lamb receives praise and recognition from the elders (8,9), a huge choir of angels (11) and, then, every living creature anywhere (13). Some party!
The elders’ song in vs. 9 and 10 reminds us of our part in Jesus’ suffering, and our role in revealing his victory on earth. He was slain and he gave his blood for all people. Those who are Christ’s will establish on earth the rule he has won as the victorious Lion. The war is won, even if at times the battles seem to be tough and we struggle to fight for the truth revealed in Jesus. But as we are clearly reminded here, though Jesus was the victim, yet Jesus is victorious!
Apply
Read vs. 9 and 10 again as a reminder of all that Jesus has done for us. Rejoice and give thanks!
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, Lion and Lamb, I praise You that You are now and forever victorious Lord over all!
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