The Lion of Judah: Our Peace and Hope

If we are to live a life that is wise, it is imperative that we understand we have an Enemy who attempts to discredit the wonders of God with counterfeit musings. This discrediting can take the form of misinterpreting the good things that God does. For example, as magnificent as a sunset may be, it is not the ultimate that God does. That ultimate is reserved for heaven and the new earth. But the enemy wants you to think that what you see now is all there is.

Also, we have grown accustomed to seeing breathtaking imagery on the big screen. But even these images pale in comparison to the reality of the world that remains unseen to us. Plus, even when we see these images, we know they are the results of skilled electronic artists. But think with me for a moment about imagery that is not computer-generated, imagery that is more real than anything we can imagine. For example, here is a description of the ultimate reality of an event in God’s universe, with drama that exceeds our own imagination:

Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.  And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, 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 5:1-5)

My daughter read this passage to my wife on her last evening on earth, six years ago. Her body was giving way to the war of this world. From a human perspective, she had only days and perhaps just hours left on this earth. Yet a greater, more magnificent drama of awe awaits her. Creatures and her Savior undaunted or spoiled by sin are moments away. Her enemy wants us to discredit the wonder of what God has for his people. But this passage and others like it have only served to reassure Ruth that greater things are in store for those purchased by the Lamb.

Don’t buy the lie that the wonder of this planet is all that there is. The mighty One who sits on the throne will offer wonders and beauty beyond what we can know here. This pure vision drives my wife’s hunger for heaven. I only pray that it will drive mine as well.

Shepherd Press