April 19 | Revelation 5:1-10

Elaine Pierce
Apr 19
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

All Shall be Well

By Elaine Pierce

The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. Isaiah 11:6

The wolf and the lamb will feed together; and the lion will eat straw like the ox. Isaiah 65:25

"Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. (Revelation 5:5)....Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne (Revelation 5:6).

The apostle John certainly was familiar with Isaiah's words when he wrote the book of Revelation. The images of lions and lambs are used in many other places in scripture, but for some reason, these came to mind as I prayed over this passage.

John was told to look for a Lion. And he saw a Lamb. A Lamb that had been slain. This gentle lamb had the key to open the scroll. Did you notice how John wept when no one was found who is worthy to open the scroll? This seemed like the end of the road: the future feels closed. The meaning of events feels hidden.

But the slain lamb, who of course is Jesus Christ, steps forward. He and only he can open the scroll. As he takes his rightful place on the throne, the elders sing a new song. You might spend some time in worship over verses 9-10. Our God is not a distant, cruel taskmaster. He comes to us as a slain lamb. Yes, he can be fierce like a lion, but he loves us deeply, gently, and completely.

When John wrote the book of Revelation, the young church was experiencing deep persecution. Perhaps you are going through a hard time. You don't know when you will stop worrying, when daylight will come. Everything might seem hopeless. But the Lord is with you, no matter how challenging your circumstances, how troubled in spirit you are. He is waiting for you, the Slain Lamb. He asks you to trust him and only him.

The 14th century mystic Julian of Norwich is well known for this simple phrase: "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well." She said this in the midst of the Black Death, a time of great suffering, death and misery. She was not sitting on her back porch enjoying a sunset. And John sent these encouraging words to the church - in the midst of darkness and pain, even when we don't understand why, God is present with us. Take heart. He has conquered sin! He will reign forever and ever, amen.

PRAYER

Thank you Lord, for your word. Even in the midst of pain and suffering, you are with us. Help us today and each day to trust in your goodness, your grace, and your power. You are the Slain Lamb. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!