God's Glory Church

“Do not weep! Here is the Lion who from the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has won.” — Revelation 5:5

For more than six decades, news reporter Paul Harvey has been a familiar voice on American radio. Six days a week, he spoke in a colorful voice: “You know the news, and in a minute you will hear the rest of the story.” After a short commercial, he told a little-known story about a very famous personality. Keeping the person’s name or other important ingredient a secret until the very end, he captivated listeners with his distinct pause and catchphrase: “And now you know… the rest of the story.”

The apostle John saw a vision of the past and the future, which is revealed with a similar promise. At the same time, his story begins on a sad note. He was overcome with unceasing sobs when he saw that no creature in heaven or on earth could explain where history was going (Rev. 4:1; 5:1-4). However, then he heard a voice that gave hope to “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” (v. 5). When Ivan lowered his gaze, he saw not a victorious lion, but a slain Lamb (vv. 5-6). The unusual sight was complemented by waves of worship around God’s throne. An innumerable number of angels joined the worship of the twenty-four elders in three choirs, and then all heaven and all earth (vv. 8-14).

Who could have imagined that the crucified Savior would become the hope for the whole world, the glory of God and the finale of our history.

What fears and sorrows do you need hope in Jesus to overcome? How does meditating on the images of the victorious Lion and the sacrificial Lamb help you in your worship of Jesus?

Almighty God, You are worthy of all power, glory and love.

Author: Martin de Haan