The Victor Bears the Marks of Sacrifice

John hears that a victorious Lion can open the sealed book, but when he looks, he sees a Lamb bearing the marks of slaughter and yet standing alive. The vision does not replace victory with defeat; it reveals the character of the victory being celebrated. The new song explains the Lamb’s worthiness through his death and the people his blood has purchased for God. Those people come from every tribe, language, people, and nation, and they receive a shared calling to serve God as kings and priests. For the assemblies hearing this vision, the center of hope is neither human strength nor access to hidden information, but the worthy Lamb. His authority and his sacrifice belong together. Our worship must therefore honor Jesus not merely as powerful enough to accomplish our desires, but as the Redeemer who has purchased a people for God.

Put the Word into practice

Set aside five minutes to thank Jesus specifically for his sacrificial death and for gathering people from every nation into service to God, rather than making requests during that time.

Search the Scripture

What does the song in verses 9–10 identify as the reason for the Lamb’s worthiness, and how should that shape your praise?

A prayerful response

Jesus, worthy Lamb, thank you for giving your life to purchase a people for God. Reshape my understanding of victory around your sacrifice, and make my worship less centered on what I want.