The Lamb (of God) is the central figure of the book of Revelation and the figurative description of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Why? The story line and events of the future and the past are defined by Him. Also, at the heart of (the three) Revelation Songs is the Lamb of God. First, he appeared as the one who was worthy to open the sealed book. And why was He worthy? Because he prevailed by the shedding of his blood. More about this later. Secondly, we see him standing with the first fruits of redeemed men and now in chapter 15 of Revelation, it was his song that was sung by the great multitude of men and women who were redeemed through the tribulation time.
The Lamb is Christ. This picture is very significant in the redemption of man. Perhaps the book of Revelation would want us to understand the purpose of God in giving us the Bible- as the story of the redemption of man. Redemption points to the sacrifice of the Son of God for the sins of the world. This must never be overlooked. We must never at any time ignore this by paying attention to our own goodness, piety or progress in spiritual things as the ground for justification and glorification. The 144,000 redeemed men could not even stand on their own except the Lamb took the first place. It was with the Lamb they could stand. Without him they were nowhere. The Lamb must appear first before anyone else can appear in glory. It is our trust in him that gives us a place among the redeemed and sanctified. This point must be emphasized again and again.
The uncountable redeemed souls- who are the final harvest joined in the song of Moses and of the Lamb. It is the song of victors: Moses had victory over Pharaoh and Egypt but the Lamb over Satan, Sin and Death. The tribulation saints must have something to overcome. The Bible declares that their victory was over the Beast, over his image, over his mark and over the number of his name.
Testing of faith
God tests our faith. Abraham was tested, Job, David and others were tested. Jesus our commander was tested at all points, and he overcame. These tribulation saints were tested by the Beast, his image, his mark and the number of his name and they too overcame. Halleluyah!
While this passage may be about the last days, how is it relevant to us today?
The same spirit of the beast and his image and the mark and the number of his name are all at play today. We may not be able to interpret these at this time, but the spirit of the world is clearly at work today. Lust of the flesh, of the eyes, and pride of life are clearly working inside of men and women today. Lust for money, fame, glory and all are the driving men to do unimaginable evils. We must be vigilant not to be trapped by these things. May we receive grace to follow the Lamb. By that we mean that we must deny ourselves for the LORD said, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me Lk 9:27; So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple Lk 14:33. The spirit of the world is contrary to the spirit of Christ. One is about possessing while the other is about sacrificing for Christ’s sake. This is how our faith is tested- to gain the world or to pour out our souls for the Lamb who first gave himself for us.
There is a prevailing sense in the world today- even among believers- a sense of worth- describing ourselves by how much we have acquired. People are pressing to ‘gain’ and to make an impression on others. We want to be seen as being accomplished by the things we have gathered. Failure is understood as not acquiring what others clamor for. The measure of a man or woman is by the things he possesses. Clearly this is a reversal of the Word of God and the way God sees things. It is the spirit of the world which we are supposed to overcome.
May the LORD grant us discernment and the grace to be resolute and uncharitable with ourselves as to deny these subtle workings of Satan.
Are you standing with the Lamb? Are you one of those who can sing his song?