Revelation of Christ: Worthy Lamb, Conquering King

Devotional

Day 1: Worthiness Through Sacrifice

The worthiness of Jesus is rooted in His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection. This worthiness is not just a divine right but is deeply connected to His love and sacrifice for humanity. Jesus, the Lamb that was slain, is uniquely worthy to open the scroll and reveal God's plan for humanity. This calls us to a deeper understanding of worship, recognizing that true worthiness is demonstrated through self-giving love. As we reflect on this, we are invited to join the heavenly hosts in declaring, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain," acknowledging His unique role in God's redemptive plan. [29:30]

Revelation 5:9-10 (ESV): "And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.'"

Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you can demonstrate self-giving love. How can you reflect the worthiness of Jesus through your actions today?

Day 2: The Sovereign Lion

Jesus fulfills the ancient prophecies as the Lion of Judah, conquering sin and death. This imagery reminds us of the power and authority of Christ, who reigns as King. As the Lion of Judah, Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise of a king who would reign eternally. This challenges us to trust in His sovereignty and to live under His lordship, knowing that He has overcome the world. We are called to align our lives with His reign, trusting in His power and authority. [34:31]

Genesis 49:9-10 (ESV): "Judah is a lion's cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust in Jesus' sovereignty? How can you submit to His authority and live under His lordship today?

Day 3: The Eternal King

As the Root of David, Jesus is the promised King who establishes an eternal kingdom. This aspect of His glory assures us of the continuity of God's promises and His faithfulness across generations. Jesus, as the Root of David, signifies the continuation and fulfillment of God's covenant with David, promising a kingdom that will never end. This invites us to find our place in His kingdom, participating in His mission to bring justice and peace. We are called to be part of this eternal kingdom, living out His promises in our daily lives. [40:28]

Isaiah 11:1-2 (ESV): "There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's mission to bring justice and peace in your community? What steps can you take today to live out His promises?

Day 4: Victory Through Sacrifice

The image of the slain Lamb standing victorious is a powerful testament to the paradox of the gospel—victory through sacrifice. Jesus conquered not by wielding a sword but by laying down His life. This act of ultimate love and sacrifice is what makes Him worthy to open the scroll and execute divine justice. It calls us to embrace the way of the cross, understanding that true power is found in humility and self-sacrifice. This is the path to overcoming the world, and we are invited to follow in His footsteps. [50:06]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can practice humility and self-sacrifice? How can you embrace the way of the cross in your daily interactions?

Day 5: Ambassadors of Revelation

We are called to be ambassadors of the revelation of Jesus Christ, bringing the light of Christ to those who have not yet heard. This mission is urgent, as there are billions without access to the gospel. Our hearts should break for this reality, compelling us to action and prayer. We are invited to join in the eternal chorus of worship, recognizing Jesus' authority and His role in God's redemptive history. As ambassadors, we have the responsibility to share this revelation with others, participating in His mission to bring light to those in darkness. [52:25]

2 Corinthians 5:19-20 (ESV): "That is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of Christ's love and redemption? How can you be an ambassador of His light and truth to them today?

Sermon Summary

In our time together, we have been drawn into the profound revelation of Jesus Christ as depicted in the book of Revelation. This is not merely a revelation from Jesus but a revelation of Jesus, unveiling His glory and His divine nature. We began by acknowledging the worthiness of the Lamb, joining with the heavenly hosts in declaring, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain." This declaration is not just a statement of worship but a recognition of Jesus' unique role in God's redemptive plan.

The imagery of Jesus as the Lion of Judah, the Root of David, and the Lamb that was slain provides a multifaceted view of His glory. As the Lion of Judah, Jesus is the fulfillment of the ancient prophecies, the one who conquers sin and death. This imagery takes us back to the lineage of Judah, highlighting the promise of a king who would reign eternally. Jesus, as the Root of David, signifies the continuation and fulfillment of God's covenant with David, promising a kingdom that will never end.

The Lamb that was slain is perhaps the most paradoxical yet powerful image. It speaks of victory through sacrifice, strength through apparent weakness. Jesus conquered not by wielding a sword but by laying down His life. This act of ultimate love and sacrifice is what makes Him worthy to open the scroll, to reveal God's plan for humanity, and to execute divine justice.

We are reminded of the global need for this revelation. There are billions who have yet to hear the gospel, and many who do not have access to the Scriptures in their own language. Our hearts should break for this reality, compelling us to action. We are called to be ambassadors of this revelation, bringing the light of Christ to those in darkness.

As we reflect on these truths, we are invited to join the eternal chorus of worship, recognizing Jesus' authority and His role in God's redemptive history. This revelation of Jesus as the Lion, the Root, and the Lamb is not just a theological concept but a call to live in light of His victory, to participate in His mission, and to worship Him with our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. giving love. [29:30]
2. The Lion of Judah: Jesus fulfills the ancient prophecies as the Lion of Judah, conquering sin and death. This imagery reminds us of the power and authority of Christ, who reigns as King. It challenges us to trust in His sovereignty and to live under His lordship, knowing that He has overcome the world.

3. The Root of David: As the Root of David, Jesus is the promised King who establishes an eternal kingdom. This aspect of His glory assures us of the continuity of God's promises and His faithfulness across generations. It invites us to find our place in His kingdom, participating in His mission to bring justice and peace.

4. The Lamb That Was Slain: The image of the slain Lamb standing victorious is a powerful testament to the paradox of the gospel—victory through sacrifice. It calls us to embrace the way of the cross, understanding that true power is found in humility and self-sacrifice. This is the path to overcoming the world.

5. Our Role in the Revelation: We are called to be ambassadors of this revelation, bringing the light of Christ to those who have not yet heard. This mission is urgent, as there are billions without access to the gospel. Our hearts should break for this reality, compelling us to action and prayer, joining in the eternal chorus of worship.

** [29:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[29:30] - The Worthiness of the Lamb
[34:31] - The Lion of Judah
[40:28] - The Root of David
[50:06] - The Lamb That Was Slain
[52:25] - Our Role in the Revelation
[60:00] - The Eternal Chorus of Worship
[65:00] - The Global Need for the Gospel
[70:00] - Joining the Mission
[75:00] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Revelation 5:1-14
Genesis 49:8-10
Isaiah 11:1-5

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Observation Questions:

In Revelation 5, what is the significance of the scroll with seven seals, and why is it important that only the Lamb is worthy to open it? [29:30]
How does the imagery of Jesus as the Lion of Judah and the Root of David in Revelation 5:5 connect to the prophecies in Genesis 49:8-10 and Isaiah 11:1-5? [40:28]
What is the reaction of the heavenly beings and elders when the Lamb takes the scroll in Revelation 5:8-10, and what does this signify about His authority? [50:06]
How does the description of the Lamb in Revelation 5:6 as "standing as though it had been slain" illustrate the paradox of victory through sacrifice? [34:31]

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Interpretation Questions:

What does the title "Lion of Judah" reveal about Jesus' role and authority, and how does this title fulfill the prophecy given to Judah in Genesis 49:8-10? [40:28]
How does the imagery of the Root of David in Revelation 5:5 provide assurance of God's faithfulness and the continuity of His promises? [40:28]
In what ways does the depiction of Jesus as the Lamb that was slain challenge our understanding of power and victory? How does this shape our view of leadership and sacrifice? [50:06]
How does the global need for the gospel, as mentioned in the sermon, relate to the mission of the church as described in Revelation 5:9-10? [52:25]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on the worthiness of the Lamb. How can you deepen your understanding and practice of worship in your daily life, recognizing Jesus' sacrificial love? [29:30]
The sermon highlighted the global need for the gospel. What practical steps can you take to support missions or share the gospel with those who have not heard it? [52:25]
Consider the paradox of victory through sacrifice. How can you apply this principle in your personal life, especially in situations where you are called to lead or serve? [50:06]
The sermon calls us to be ambassadors of Christ's revelation. Identify one person in your life who is in darkness. How can you bring the light of Christ to them this week? [52:25]
How does the imagery of Jesus as the Lion of Judah and the Root of David inspire you to trust in His sovereignty and live under His lordship? What areas of your life need to be more fully surrendered to His reign? [40:28]
Reflect on the eternal chorus of worship described in Revelation 5. How can you incorporate more worship into your daily routine, joining in this heavenly chorus? [50:06]
The sermon mentioned the urgency of the mission. What specific actions can you take to prioritize this mission in your life, whether through prayer, giving, or going? [52:25]

Sermon Clips

"This book, as we've seen, is the revelation from Jesus, but it's primarily the revelation of Jesus. We saw in chapter 1 and verse 13 that, in the midst of the lampstands, one like a son of man clothed in a long robe with a golden sash, we saw the glory of Jesus revealed in chapter 1. And that's what revelation says from the beginning this book is. It's the revelation of Jesus Christ." [00:29:38] (28 seconds) Edit Clip

"His heart was broken at this reality that in God's hand there is a revelation, a word, a written scroll, front and back, it's covered, that is waiting to be opened and that word then spoken, but it can't be revealed because no one is worthy to break the seals. John begins to weep. Brothers and sisters, do we weep for the word of God?" [00:32:14] (31 seconds) Edit Clip

"The lion of the tribe of Judah. The root of David is conquered. He can open the scroll. And it's seven seals. You expect, in this moment, a lion. The root of David. You expect a king with a royal robe and a golden crown. You expect a warrior with a sword in his hand, covered in the blood of his enemies." [00:34:05] (27 seconds) Edit Clip

"He triumphed by allowing himself to be executed. He became the lion of Judah by first being the lamb that was slain. The lamb that still looks like it's slain, covered in his own blood, but is standing before the throne of God, now proclaimed victorious and worthy to open these seals on the scroll." [00:35:07] (25 seconds) Edit Clip

"Who is worthy to bring judgment? Who is worthy to stand before God and live in his new heaven and new earth forever? There is only one who is worthy, and his name is the lamb. Now this reference to the lion of Judah, Judah being one of the 12 tribes of Israel. This is a hyperlink to take us back to the book of Genesis and to the family of Abraham." [00:36:21] (25 seconds) Edit Clip

"Just as he's the king who would reign in righteousness and bring peace, this is what his people are now called to do. Do you see why all around in heaven they're singing the praises of the one who is worthy? He's the faithful son who took sin into himself. He's the victorious king, the king of all kings who conquered evil, and he is the lamb that was slain." [00:49:10] (23 seconds) Edit Clip

"The sacrifice that saves sinners is the one who conquered death. And now they sing a new song in verse nine saying, worthy are you to take the scroll to open its seals for you were slain and by your blood you ransomed people. And not just Jewish people but people from every tribe and language and people and nations. This is the victory of King Jesus." [00:52:53] (25 seconds) Edit Clip

"The revelation is that Jesus is not something less than God. He is fully God, co-equal, co-eternal, worthy of exactly the same worship and praise. You can look word for word, line for line with the praise that's given to God on the throne in chapter 4, and then to God and the lamb equally in chapter 5." [00:56:09] (22 seconds) Edit Clip