The Transformative Power of Sight
Have you ever encountered a sight that left an indelible mark on your soul? Perhaps it was the first glimpse of the vast ocean, the towering mountains, a cascading waterfall, or the lushness of a rainforest. Moments like these have the power to overwhelm us, forever shaping our perspectives. Equally impactful are life events like witnessing the birth of a child, the radiance of a grandchild, the exchange of vows at a wedding, or the solemnity of a funeral.
The canvas of sight often serves as the conduit for profound experiences that define and mold our lives. But beyond the physical realm, the act of seeing holds spiritual significance as well. Similarly, for followers of Christ, the gift of sight plays a central role in their spiritual journey, leading to profound transformation. The apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 aptly capture this notion.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 “17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
This passage unveils the process of change and transformation. As believers fix their gaze upon the glory of God, they undergo a metamorphosis. This change is not sudden but incremental, a journey from one degree of glory to another. This progressive transformation occurs through the lens of faith that allow believers to see and believe.
The Clarification of God’s Glory
Paul elucidates the nature of this glory further within the context of his discourse. He highlights the contrast between those who embrace Christ and those who remain unbelieving. He notes that the “god of this world” blinds the minds of those who reject the light of the gospel of Christ’s glory. Here, the glory of the Lord is specifically tied to the gospel—Christ’s perfect life, death, and resurrection. This gospel, as the epicenter of God’s redemptive plan, becomes the catalyst for both salvation and revelation.
Consequently, the gospel becomes the focal point where believers encounter and experience God Himself. With this understanding, it becomes evident why Paul’s teachings center on Christ’s crucifixion. His declaration of focusing solely on “Christ and him crucified” aligns with the centrality of the gospel as the locus of God’s redemptive and revealing work. Thus, the gospel not only saves but unveils God’s very nature to His people.
Beholding the Glory: The Lion and Lamb
With this foundation laid, let’s behold the glory of God within the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Revelation 5:5-6, we see the majesty of a lion and the meekness of a lamb.
Revelation 5:5-6 “5 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.’ 6 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.”
This vision follows John’s description of God the Creator seated on the throne, a scene imbued with majesty and splendor. The present context centers on the question of who is worthy to open a particular scroll—an embodiment of God’s redemptive plan. In the midst of uncertainty, a voice assures John that the Lion of Judah, the conquering King of David’s lineage, has prevailed to open the scroll. But as John turns his gaze toward the throne, he witnesses a Lamb standing, bearing the marks of sacrifice yet radiating strength.
The juxtaposition of the lion and lamb imagery is profound. The lion represents fierceness, regality, and power, while the lamb embodies meekness, humility, and sacrificial compassion. These seemingly contradictory attributes converge in Jesus—a Lion-like Lamb and a Lamb-like Lion. This synthesis of qualities is epitomized in the actions and teachings of Jesus throughout the New Testament.
Embracing the Lion Lamb: Transformative Encounters
From his humble birth in a manger to his miraculous healings, his rebukes of religious hypocrisy, and his resurrection from the dead, Jesus embodies both the Lion and Lamb. He dines with societal outcasts and confronts demonic forces with authority. He mourns the loss of a friend and washes his disciples’ feet in humility. His actions unveil a distinctive blend of strength and gentleness, power and humility, justice and mercy.
This paradox continues even as Jesus is crucified and subsequently resurrected. In his death, he willingly becomes the Lamb slain for the sins of humanity, a sacrifice of immense magnitude. Yet, in his triumphant resurrection, he emerges as the Lion who conquers death and sin. His victory resonates in the roaring proclamation of worthiness as depicted in Revelation 5.9-10.
Revelation 5:9-10 “9 ‘Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.’”
The Lion-Lamb—A Paradox of Perfection
In contemplating this paradox of the Lion Lamb, we encounter the extraordinary conjunction of diverse excellencies within Jesus Christ. He embodies seemingly contradictory attributes in perfect harmony. In him, majesty and humility coexist, power and weakness are intertwined, justice and mercy converge, and sovereignty is demonstrated through obedience. Like a judge who combines strength with tenderness, Jesus exemplifies strength in protecting and tenderness in understanding.
The Lion-Lamb encapsulates the essence of God’s character and nature. It is a unique and awe-inspiring combination, more striking than any hybrid creature found in the animal kingdom. In this divine paradox, we witness perfection—a God who defies comprehension and reveals His glory through the intricate weave of the lion and lamb symbolism. Jesus, the Lion-Lamb, extends an invitation to all—He is the fierce protector and humble companion.
As the Lion, He fights on our behalf, overpowering even the prowling adversary. As the Lamb, He walks beside us in our darkest hours, embodying humility and compassion. He is both Lion and Lamb, forever unchanging and eternally present. The Lion-Lamb’s impact is undeniable—those who behold Him are destined for transformation. Just as those in Revelation respond with worship, so too do we find ourselves compelled to acknowledge the Lamb’s worthiness. As we navigate this journey of paradoxical perfection, we echo the sentiments of Revelation 5:12.
Revelation 5:12 “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! …To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
In the union of the Lion and Lamb, in the convergence of strength and meekness, glory and humility, we find the essence of our Creator. May we, as we journey forth, carry within us the transformative power of this paradoxical encounter. As Revelation’s praise resounds, let us be forever mindful of the Lion Lamb’s enduring worth and unending dominion.