March 14

Revelation 5:6—In the midst of the throne stood a Lamb as it had been slain.

It is a marvellous combination, but how reassuring’ Not the throne without the Lamb, else sinners dare not venture nigh: not the Lamb without the throne, or we might question his victory, his omnipotence to succour and save. No; but the throne with the Lamb, the Lamb and the throne, the Lamb in its very midst.

How does the Lamb come there? Surely meekness, humility, gentle submissiveness to an irresistible lot, are not the virtues that win thrones! Perhaps not in man’s world, but they do in God’s. In the eternal world the passive virtues are stronger than the active; sufferers wield more might than wrestlers; to yield is to overcome; to be vanquished is to conquer. It is because He was God’s Lamb that He is now God’s Anointed King, having seven horns for his omnipotence, seven eyes for omniscience, and seven spirits sent into all the world for omnipresence.

But see: the marks of suffering, of agony and death, of sacrifice, are stamped upon his flesh. "A Lamb as it had been slain." The redeemed ones that stand around tell the story; He purchased and cleansed them by his blood; He is worthy to fill the throne and rule for ever. He who could make Himself the supreme sacrifice and offering for the sins of the world is worthy to be the world’s King. The angels corroborate their verdict. In concentric rings they stand around the throne in their massed myriads. From ten thousand times ten thousand clear voices the acclamation rings out, Thou art worthy!

Take the scroll of history, of empire, of our lives, O gentle, holy, victorious, mighty Lamb. Break the seals, and unroll it page by page. All must be well that passes beneath thy tender and mighty hand.