'The Lamb That Was Slaughtered'

John looks to see this "Lion that is of the tribe of Judah." But how astounding! A completely symbolic figure appears: " And I saw standing in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures and in the midst of the elders a lamb as though it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which eyes mean the seven spirits of God that have been sent forth into the whole earth." -Revelation 5:6.

Right in the center, beside the throne, withing the circles formed by the four living creatures and the 24 elders, there is a lamb! Doubtless John quickly identifies this lamb with "the Lion that is of the tribe of Judah" and "the root of David." He knows that, more than 60 years earlier, John the Baptizer introduced Jesus to onlooking Jews as "the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29) All during his life on earth, Jesus remained untainted by the world-just like and unblemished lamb-so that he could offer his blameless life as a sacrifice for mankind. - 1Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 7:26.

Is it somehow belittling or undignified to represent the glorified Jesus as "a lamb as though it had been slaughtered"? Not at all! The fact that Jesus stayed faithful to the death was a major defeat for Satan and a great triumph for Jehovah God. Representing Jesus in this way vividly portrays his conquest of Satan's world and is a reminder of the deep love that Jehovah and Jesus have for mankind. (John 3:16; 15:13; Compare Colossians 2:15) Jesus is thus pointed to as the promised Seed, outstandingly qualified to open the scroll.-Genesis 3:15.

What else adds to our appreciation of this "Lamb"? He has seven horns. Horns in the Bible are often a symbol of power or authority, and seven would indicate completeness. (Compare 2:1, 10; Psalm 112:9; 148:14) Hence, the Lamb's seven horns represent the fullness of power that Jehovah has entrusted to Jesus. He is "far above every government and authority and power and lordship and every name named not only in this system of things, but also in that to come." (Ephesians 1:20-23; 1 Peter 3:22) Jesus has particularly exercised power, governmental power, since 1914 when Jehovah enthroned him as heavenly King. - Psalm 2:6.

Moreover, Jesus is filled to completeness with holy spirit, as pictured by the Lamb's seven eyes, which "mean the seven spirits of God." Jesus is a channel through whom the fullness of Jehovah's active force flows to His earthly servants. (Titus 3:6) Evidently, it is by this same spirit that he sees from heaven what is happening here on earth. Like his Father, Jesus has perfect discernment. Nothing escapes his notice. (Compare Psalm 11:4; Zechariah 4:10) Clearly, this Son-the integrity keeper who conquered the world, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David; the one who offered his life for mankind, the one with complete authority, fullness of holy spirit, and perfect discernment from Jehovah God-yes, this one is outstandingly worthy to take the scroll from Jehovah's hand. Does he hesitate to accept this commission of service in Jehovah's lofty organization? No! Rather, " he want and at once took it [the scroll] out of the right hand of the One seated upon the throne." (Revelation 5:7) What a fine example of willing compliance!

Next time: Song Of Praise