THE VERSE
And one of the elders said to me, "Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals." And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain. ~Revelation 5:5-6aTHE THOUGHT
How can Jesus be both a Lion and a Lamb? A lion is mighty, ferocious, conquering, king-like. A lamb is meek, humble, and frail- and this Lamb was slain. How can these two seemingly polar opposite characteristics be present in one Person?This is what Jonathan Edwards, the great Puritan preacher of the First Great Awakening, calls Christ's "admirable conjunction of diverse excellencies." He goes on to explain: "In Christ infinite greatness and infinite goodness meet together, and receive luster and glory one from another." Christ's great power, glory, majesty, and authority are made all the more spectacular by His meekness, kindness, compassion, and humility. He is the Lion of Judah, mighty to save; and He is the Lamb of God, the Suffering Servant who gives His life as a ransom for many. He is the holy Judge, yet He is also the merciful Savior. He upholds the universe by the word of His power, and yet He has promised to uphold you in your weakness. He is Lion and Lamb- merciful and mighty.
THE PRAYER
Jesus, You have forever captured my heart with the glory of Your greatness and goodness. Thank you for being who You are- merciful and mighty- and for devoting all Your divine power to satisfy my soul with Your infinite beauty. Thank you for Your Word, which gives us such a compelling picture of Your glory and humility. Thank you for saving me and opening my eyes to see You as You are.EXTENDED READING
Isaiah 41:10-14Matthew 11:27-30
Hebrews 1:1-3
THE QUOTE
"The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works." ~St. AugustineTHROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
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