The book of Revelation contains no new theology that isn’t seen elsewhere in the New Testament. But it does picture the Gospel in different ways. It provokes new images for our imaginations. In some ways, it is like an imagination reboot. For those who are very familiar with the Gospel story as presented in narrative fashion by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and by Paul’s didactics; Revelation is a surprisingly refreshing treat for our imaginations. Jesus is not born in Bethlehem with Herod waiting for the Wise Men’s report. Instead, He is born of a woman clothed with the sun with a great red dragon waiting to devour him upon his delivery. It’s the same story but presented in a new way.
This week we come to the most pivotal scene in the book; perhaps the most important piece of theology in the whole Bible. The rest of the book of Revelation makes no sense without understanding this scene. While chapter four focussed on the throne of God and his praise as creator of the universe, chapter five draws our attention to God as redeemer of the universe. It is a uniquely Christian perspective. While Jews could join in the elder’s worship of chapter four, chapter five is distinctly Messianic. The scroll (see Ez. 2:9-10) represents the fate of the world. It is full of the outworkings of how God will bring history to a close. It is about the destiny of the world. All the really big questions are contained here: How will the world end? Who will be the main players? What will happen in the meantime; etc?
Only the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:9) is worthy to look into the scroll and reveal its contents. (Notice how the contents will not be read but seen following the apocalyptic emphasis on vision.) John turns to see the Lion, but there in the centre of the throne is a lamb that looks to have been slaughtered. At the centre of the power of the universe stands a lamb! At the heart of God there is a lamb! Amazing! The Lion did not conquer by acting like a lion. He won by being a lamb. Instead of hurting the world he took on himself the hurts of the world. This is the Gospel.
There then follows three explosions of worship. The first song is about Christ’s redemptive role. The second is about his divine authority. The Lamb is to receive seven accolades: power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honour, glory and praise. Again we see the number seven associated with the Lamb. Seven horns, seven eyes and now seven attributes. In the end every living creature is caught up in worship. This is in fact the point of the scene. It is to evoke worship of the Lamb. That then should be our response. But not only that, we are to embrace the Lamb’s methodology. Real power, God’s power, the power that overcomes the evil of this world is achieved through following the Lamb even if this means all the way to death.
