Text: Revelation 5

Topic: How our vision of Christ can change our perception of reality

Introduction:

We all look at the world through a particular frame of reference.

Illustration: In his book Fully Human, Fully Alive, John Powell writes that we must change our perception of reality if we are to grow.

Revelation 5 changes our perception of reality like nothing else.

God is in control and his plan is secure.

No one in the universe can break the seal of the scroll held by the Almighty.

Only the Lion of Judah is able to open the scroll.

Illustration: I literature describes Messiah as a lion and as the root of David.

John turns and sees—not a roaring lion—but a lamb.

The word describes a little lamb rather than an adult.

The lamb has seven eyes and horns, signifying wisdom and strength.

The lamb overcomes by being slain; a sacrificial lamb.

The lamb is worthy to open the scroll for he stands at the very center of the being of God.

Mary's little lamb is worthy of the same adoration as the Almighty God.

The Lamb knows and feels our suffering.

Isaiah 53:3

The Lamb is full of grace.

Isaiah 53:6

The Lamb is the way to fullness of life.

Sacrificial love and surrender is the way to life.

Christ crucified is the power and wisdom of God.

What the world calls wisdom is foolishness, and what it calls power is weakness.

The Lion does not win by being a lion, but by becoming a sacrificial lamb.

The sacrificial life is the way to live fully human and alive.

Everything ends at the feet of the reigning Lamb.

Even if we have to die we don't lose because he has the last word.

Conclusion:

If we are to grow, there must be a change in our vision of reality.

Look at the Lamb who was slain and worship him.