By David Faust
The book, Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus, examines Jesus’ words in light of their Jewish context. In a chapter called “Thinking With Both Hands,” author Dr. Lois Tverberg explains how the Jews would debate two sides of an issue by first making a point and then saying, “On the other hand . . . .” She writes, “Some of the most important truths of the Bible are paradoxical. Jesus is both fully human and fully God. God is loving and in control, yet he allows tragedy and injustice to take place.”
Dr. Tverberg contends we should read the Bible with “both hands.” Biblical ideas like “the first shall be last” and “to save your life you must lose it” are paradoxical but not contradictory.
The Judgment of the Lamb
The expression “Lamb of God” appears 26 times in the book of Revelation. Salvation comes by grace, through the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Paradoxically, the saints in heaven get their robes clean and white by having them washed in the Lamb’s crimson blood (Revelation 7:13-14).
On the other hand, in Revelation chapter 6 the Lamb initiates six judgments so devastating that people try to hide “from the wrath of the Lamb” (Revelation 6:16). If you picture lambs as soft and wooly, the concept of a wrathful lamb is an unexpected twist.
Some modern theologians try to amputate one of the Lord’s “hands,” but his holy wrath doesn’t contradict his love. Like two sides of the same coin, God is both merciful and mighty, full of grace and truth. He has made himself accessible and approachable, but the holy Lord acts justly, deserves obedience, and demands accountability.
The Peace-Giving Warrior
The Prince of Peace promises to give his followers shalom that transcends anything the world can give (Isaiah 9:6; John 14:27; Philippians 4:7). “He himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14).
On the other hand, the book of Revelation also portrays Christ as a mighty warrior who “judges and wages war,” rules with an iron scepter, and “treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty” (Revelation 19:11-15). We shouldn’t take him lightly and view him as a soft, benign figure who winks passively at wrongdoing and refuses to hold people accountable for their actions. Don’t mistake meekness for weakness. Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).
General Douglas MacArthur stated, “The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” The Prince of Peace brought shalom to this fallen world, but it came at the price of the Mighty Warrior’s own shed blood.
The Lamb Who Shepherds the Flock
In another paradoxical word-picture, Revelation 7:17 says, “the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd.” What a vivid way to describe Jesus Christ!
He is the good shepherd, but he knows how it feels to be a lamb—a member of the flock. He leads us to green pastures and still waters, for he knows what it’s like to be hungry and thirsty. He accompanies us through the valley of the shadow of death after walking through that valley himself.
Christ loves us with both hands. He leads the flock while empathizing with the sheep.
Personal Challenge:
Does it surprise or unsettle you to read about the “wrath of the Lamb” (Revelation 6:16)? Discuss with a trusted friend or mentor how Revelation chapters 6 and 7 impact your view of the Lord.
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