“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.”
And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.”
The great reformer Martin Luther was known for his love of God’s use of the paradox. For instance, Luther’s emphasis on the Law and Gospel was a key stepping stone to the doctrine of Justification. How can I save myself with the Law if I cannot obey it fully? The answer was and is the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Jesus did what the law could not—save, but he did it through obedience to the law. This “paradox” proved to be humanity’s salvation!
As Luther dug deeper into the Scriptures, he began to see another paradox. In Christ, we are at the same time righteous and sinful. In Christ, those that believe have received a righteousness that “sticks” with them a through eternity. But still, on earth Christians find themselves sinning!
There are still other “paradoxes” that God loves to unravel before our eyes, and we see one in Revelation 5:5, 6. Look who is coming to take the scroll! It’s the conquering Lion—powerful, righteous, mighty, kingly, and just. But wait, it’s the Lamb who holds (and will open) the scroll—weak, humble, and slain but not.
The Lord Jesus Christ exhibits a perfection that embodies both power and humility, both justice and salvation. Have you watched him unravel the “paradox” of your life? There are so many complications, sufferings, and frustrations that come our way. But God is powerful to save. The Lion/Lamb God/Man Savior/Sufferer has come! His name is Jesus Christ. Be blessed by him today.