Rev 5:5-10
Since I was a child I have heard the expression, “If March comes in like a Lion it will leave like a Lamb. ” Well, March 2004 came to Kansas City like a Lion. I suppose we can expect it to leave like a Lamb.
It is quite a paradox that our Lord came to this world as a Lamb. He came peacefully and to bring peace to the hearts of mankind. As the Lamb of God He gave His life freely as a sacrificial offering so that we might have a relationship with God. We are told in His Word, however, that He will come again and this time as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. His roar will be heard throughout the world. He will come as King and Conqueror to vanquish all of His enemies once and for all.
To this we raise the cry, “All hail King Jesus! All hail Emmanuel! ” May the one who came as a Lamb return as a Lion for those who love Him and serve Him. Then around the throne we will be able to join with “… every creature that is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, ” [saying] “…Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever. ”
Dr. Gayle Woods
Rev. 10:1-6 (4)
Eleven-year-old prince Arthur was amazed! This had to be the highest mountain in the world. The entourage stopped their horses long enough to look at the magnificent sight.
Immediately Arthur wanted to know. “Has anyone climbed it?” No one had. It wasn’t possible. That was all that was needed to make up Arthur’s mind. As Arthur rode off toward the mountain Cai begged permission to follow his friend. Ectorius was immediately against the idea because his son had one lame leg. Merlin saw the hope in Cai’s eyes and took up the argument. A short time later Cai was permitted to ride after his friend Arthur.
Ectorius and Merlin sat up camp. They waited through that day and the next. Ectorius was beside himself with worry. He griped and grumbled. He was certain that his boy had fallen and was on the side of the mountain bleeding to death. Merlin soothed him again and again.
It wasn’t until after dark that evening that they heard the jubilant call. The boys staggered into camp, bone-weary, but with victory lighting up their countenance. They were heroes.
Cai looked at Arthur and said, “We reached the top. But I never would have made it without him. He carried me most of the time.” Arthur responded, “No don’t say that. We climbed it together – you and I together.”
The bond of friendship that was born that day was to glue the hearts of these two men together so that they fought for the kingdom together – and yes, in a sense reigned together.
The life we face looks hard. It looks impossible. But we have King Jesus as our companion. That makes the difference. When we can’t go any farther He carries us. He takes us to the peak and shows us the glory of a holy life. Because of our love for Him we too will be His right arm. We will serve Him with all loyalty and love.
Dr. Gayle Woods
