Devotional By Pastor John Flint
The Lion Has Already Conquered
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.”
John was weeping. No one appeared worthy to open the scroll in God’s hand. Then came one of Revelation’s great announcements: “Weep no more.” Why? Because Jesus has conquered.
John is told to look for a Lion, but when he looks he sees a Lamb who had been slain. That is the glory of Christ. At the cross, what looked like defeat became victory. Jesus bore the judgment sinners deserved. He shed His blood as the perfect sacrifice. He died. He was buried. And He rose again. His resurrection declared that sin and death had not defeated Him. This changes the way believers understand the future. The book of Revelation does not describe a desperate struggle between God and Satan whose outcome remains uncertain. There is no uncertainty. Christ wins. Satan’s final judgment is certain. The kingdoms of this world will not overthrow God’s kingdom. The promises made to Israel will be fulfilled. The Antichrist will not defeat Christ. Death will not defeat God’s people. That means we do not live wondering whether Jesus will ultimately prevail. We live faithfully because His victory is already certain and His promises are true.
When circumstances make it appear as though evil is winning, remember that the throne is occupied. The Lamb has triumphed. The Lion has conquered. And everyone who belongs to Christ belongs to the victorious King.
Reflect
What situation in your life are you viewing as though everything depends upon you instead of resting in the accomplished victory and sovereign rule of Jesus Christ?