Then I saw in the right hand of him
Revelation 5:1-5
who was seated on the throne a scroll
written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.
And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice,
“Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”
And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able
to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly
because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.
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.”
Can you imagine it – it’s a climactic scene. The angel cries out seeking one worthy to open the scrolls. John is weeping loudly because it appears no one can be found worthy. And then one of the elders steps forward, says to stop weeping! Behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah! He’s the conquering Lion. Not only has he conquered but He is totally worthy!
The people who hanged Christ never, to do them justice, accused him of being a bore—on the contrary, they thought him too dynamic to be safe. It has been left for later generations to muffle up that shattering personality and surround him with an atmosphere of tedium. We have very efficiently pared the claws of the Lion of Judah, certified him “meek and mild,” and recommended him as a fitting household pet for pale curates and pious old ladies.
Dorothy Sayers
Lions are the King of the jungle! They are known for their power, fierceness, and majesty. Have we accepted a lesser “king” – have we “declawed” Him? Have we made our God too small, too weak, too mild?
For we did not follow cleverly concocted fables when we made known
2 Peter 1:16-17
to you the power and return of our Lord Jesus Christ;
no, we were eyewitnesses of his grandeur.
For he received honor and glory from God the Father,
when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory:
“This is my dear Son, in whom I am delighted.”
Jesus is powerful! “The Son is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence, and he sustains all things by his powerful word, and so when he had accomplished cleansing for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:3)”
Jesus is fierce! “[Jesus] has destroyed what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. Disarming the rulers and authorities, he has made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Colossians 2:14-15)
“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy. “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver;
p.146, The Chronicles Of Narnia
“Don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you?
Who said anything about safe? ’Course he isn’t safe.
But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you” .
Jesus is majestic! “Lord Jesus Christ—whose appearing the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the right time. He alone possesses immortality and lives in unapproachable light, whom no human has ever seen or is able to see. To him be honor and eternal power! Amen. (1 Timothy 6:15-16)
Jesus is the King! From his mouth extends a sharp sword, so that with it he can strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod, and he stomps the winepress of the furious wrath of God, the All-Powerful. He has a name written on his clothing and on his thigh: “King of kings and Lord of lords.”
(Revelation 19:15-16)
The elders sang a new song, according to John, as Jesus opened the scroll. Their song proclaimed his worthiness!
How sweetly over the mountain of Zion, lovely Zion,
The anthem of ages comes sweeping along;
The anthem of the faithful, we hear it, and, rejoicing,
Our hearts in glad measure keep tune with the song.O happy, happy tidings, the kingdom now is opened.
The seals are all broken; proclaim it afar;
From bondage and oppression by Him we are delivered,
The Lion of Judah, the bright Morning Star.Hosanna in the highest, all glory everlasting,
The cross and its banner triumphant shall wave;
Hosanna in the highest, all glory everlasting,
The Lion of Judah His people will save.O the Lion of Judah hath triumphed forever,
Fanny Crosby
O the Lion of Judah is mighty and strong;
Sweet anthem of the faithful, we hear it, and, rejoicing,
Our hearts in glad measure keep tune with the song.
As you pray today, thank God that Jesus is the Lion of Judah – not only worthy to open the scrolls but the fierce King who has defeated death and Satan for you! Praise the Lord!
