THE LAMB AND THE LION

THE LAMB AND THE LION

Bible: Revelation 5

Reading

See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed . . . Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the centre of the throne (VV.5-6).

Jesus was announced as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (JOHN 1:29). He died for our sins—in our place as our sacrifice. He saves everyone who trusts in Him. But one day that offer will expire. The Lamb sacrificed for sin will become the Lion, bringing judgement on everyone who rejected Him.

I remember a preacher telling a true story (from a long time ago) to help make sense of this. A horse bolted and ran away with a cart that had a little kid in it. A young man risked his life to catch the horse and stop it. The child was rescued, but grew up to become a violent criminal. One day he was being sentenced for a serious crime. Then the prisoner recognised the judge as the man who, years before, had saved his life, so he begged for mercy. But the judge’s words silenced him: “Young man, then I was your saviour; today I am your judge, and I must sentence you to be hanged.”

Today Jesus is the Lamb who died for our sins. But if we say no to Him, He will one day stand before us as our Judge, and say: “On earth I was your Saviour, but you would not believe in me. Now I am your Judge and I must sentence you to hell” (SEE MATTHEW 7:23; 10:28). Those who trust the Lamb will not have to face the Lion in judgement.

THE DECISION WE MAKE ABOUT JESUS NOW DECIDES HOW HE WILL MEET US IN ETERNITY.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries