In Revelation 5, we continue the scene in the throne room of God with an outpouring of praise to Jesus which then crescendos in a full-throated exhalation of the trinity. We begin with great agony and disappointment as no one is found worthy to unveil the plan of God for the rest of human history, his redemption, judgement, and final consummation. John weeps, heartbroken that the desire of God to complete his mission could possibly be thwarted by a lack of one worthy and able to perform his will. As this drama increases, our attention is drawn to a figure unnoticed thus far: a lion from the tribe of Judah. Surely, here is our champion, one with regal authority and stately power! Surprisingly, although it should not take us as such, the lion appears as a slaughtered lamb, the unmistakable picture of humble sacrifice and atonement. The conquering king is the crucified and resurrected saviour! This mix of authority and submission, power and humility, is overwhelmingly beautiful, and those who observe it do as we all ought to: they erupt in praise. May we see Jesus as worthy every day, and honour him with glad and thankful hearts!

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