He is the Paradox

We need help. Political unrest, disunity in families, sickness, injustice, all in the last few days, but all that is nothing new. Who can we turn to in these times when no one on earth can help us? Who can right the wrongs? Resolve the problems? Heal our bodies and our hearts?

Who can open the scroll of eternity?

the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals. (Revelation 5:5) 

Jesus our hero. He is our powerful Lion, the everlasting King. He alone can create the happy ending we all desire. He can right the wrongs. He can heal us inside and out. But wait, that is only the introduction. The angel's voice is dramatic, the lights flash and John turns to see our Savior. 

a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. (Revelation 5:6) 

What? Wait, the Lion is really a Lamb! The Lamb of God, and we were the ones who slaughtered Him. He is the one with perfect power, perfect knowledge, present everywhere on the earth. 

We do not need to fear because He was slain for us, so we can be with Him forever serving and reigning.  

 “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10)

It is the paradox of both/and. Jesus is the Lion and the Lamb. He is power and gentleness. He is justice and mercy.  He is slain and alive. He is of the tribe of Judah and His salvation is for all the nations. He is on heaven's throne and always with us. 

He is the Baby in the manger, yet He is the almighty God. He healed the sick, fed the multitudes, raised the dead and also washed their feet. He came for us and He is coming again. 

And for us too, the paradox. We must fear Him and stay close to Him. He will discipline us and heal us. We will serve Him and reign with Him. We are sinners, and yet, He loves us and saves us. 

You are everything, Beloved. It will take a lifetime and then eternity beyond that, to fully comprehend Your greatness and Your goodness. No one can compare with You. Help me each day understand Your paradox. Let me daily be reminded by the beauty in  Your creation to worship You, to trust You alone. You alone can save.    

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”