Introduction

Welcome, dear friends, to another time of fellowship and worship as we gather under the banner of Christ's love, united in our desire to know Him more, to love Him deeper, and to live in a manner that reflects His grace and glory. It is always a joy to gather together in His name, to share in the Word of God, and to grow in our faith. Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the fifth chapter of Revelation, a chapter that paints a vivid picture of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, in all His majesty and might.

Before we proceed to the heart of our discussion, let's take a moment to remind ourselves of the words of the great preacher Charles Spurgeon, who once said, "God is too good to be unkind and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart." How true these words are! We come to understand that our lives are not random or meaningless, but part of a grand, divine narrative that is unfolding according to God's perfect plan.

Now, let's turn our attention to the Scripture at hand. Revelation 5 reads: "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. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?' But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 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.' Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 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 God’s people. And they sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.'"

Lamb's Legacy in Revelation

In the book of Revelation, we find a powerful depiction of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God. This image is rich in symbolism and meaning, and it carries a profound message for us today. The Lamb is portrayed as standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. This is a picture of Christ's central role in God's plan of salvation. He is the one who is able to open the scroll and its seven seals, signifying His authority and power.

The Lamb is also described as looking as if it had been slain. This is a vivid reminder of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. He was slain for our sins, bearing the punishment that we deserved. His death was not the end, however. He rose again, triumphant over sin and death. This is why the Lamb is said to have triumphed. His victory is our victory, for through His sacrifice, we are redeemed and made right with God.

The Lamb is also said to have seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Horns in the Bible often symbolize power, while eyes represent knowledge and understanding. The number seven is a symbol of completeness or perfection. Thus, this description of the Lamb signifies Christ's complete power and perfect knowledge. He is fully God, possessing all authority and understanding.

Furthermore, the Lamb is the one who takes the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. This is a significant act. In the ancient world, a scroll often represented a person's will or testament. By taking the scroll, the Lamb is accepting the responsibility to carry out God's will. This is a reminder of Christ's obedience to the Father, even to the point of death on the cross.

The Lamb's actions lead to a response of worship from the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders. They fall down before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. This is a picture of the worship that Christ deserves and will receive for all eternity. His sacrifice on the cross, His victory over sin and death, and His role in carrying out God's will all make Him worthy of our highest praise.

In the song that they sing, the creatures and elders declare that the Lamb is worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals because He was slain and with His blood, He purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. This points to the universal scope of Christ's redemption. His sacrifice was not just for a select few, but for people from all nations and languages. No one is beyond the reach of God's grace!

The song also declares that the Lamb has made the redeemed to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth. This speaks to the dignity and purpose that Christ gives to those who believe in Him. As members of His kingdom, we are called to serve God and to reign with Christ. This is not a call to earthly power or prestige, but to spiritual authority and service.

Lessons on Character from the Lamb

The first lesson we learn from the Lamb is humility ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO