A Lamb Slain Standing

A LAMB SLAIN STANDING.

Revelation 5:6.

1. Good Friday.

Just as the Passover lambs were being slaughtered, Jesus - the Lamb of God - was given over to be crucified (John 19:14). Consider the implications of this.

2. Good Friday anticipates Easter Sunday.

Jesus had to die, but this was not the end. The grave cannot hold Him. Pause, and think awhile.

3. Revelation 5:6.

“Lo… in the midst of the throne… a Lamb standing as having been slain” -

The Lord Jesus appears in the last book of the Bible as a slain Lamb, yes - but as a slain Lamb STANDING! There is evidence here of the Resurrection.

4. Let us look at this scene in the book of Revelation 5:1-14.

(1) The question: “Who is worthy to break the seals of the scroll?” (Revelation 5:1-4).

Until the seals are broken, the whole of redemption history is held in suspense. There can be no conclusion to the book of Revelation if we are stuck here at the first hurdle. To John’s great distress, no man could be found who was counted worthy to open the seals of the scroll which the LORD was holding.

(2) The Lion who is a Lamb (Revelation 5:5-6).

Given the grandness of Jesus’ appearance in the first scene of this epic vision (Revelation 1:13-16), it is somewhat surprising to find the dramatic change in His figure in the second scene. John was encouraged to look for a Lion, but instead he saw a Lamb: not only a Lamb, but a slain Lamb; and not only a slain Lamb, but a slain Lamb STANDING. In other words, John looked for a strong conqueror, but instead he saw a meek (but not weak!) man who had made the ultimate sacrifice - and conquered death itself!

(3) “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain” (Revelation 5:7-14).

As the Lamb took the scroll into His hands, the whole of Creation burst into praise. A dead Saviour saves no-one, but the risen Lord Jesus is found worthy do all things. Think on this, as you gaze upon His tomb...