April 18th Acts 9:1-6, Rev. 5:11-14 First Cut

 

Rev. 5:11-14-

1) While the left behind series revels in the Lion of Judah as does Narnia, Revelation looks to a slain, little lamb. This is a vital image. They replace a martial image (I almost typed marital, thanks Freud) for a weak, slain one. Yet, it is precisely the weak image that is in the throne room, not the Lion of Judah.

2) Notice the myriads upon myriads in the throne room. This stands against ideas of limited numbers in the work of Christ.

3) 7 appears again in the gifts for the Lamb

4) Look at the universal response in v. 13;yet, the work of God is not finished. The scroll of god's upcoming plans  are opened by the lamb, but they are not finished.

5) Of all creatures, a slain little lamb is on the throne. Few passages get at the surprising, hidden nature of the power of God better than this.

 

Acts 9

1) Saul is breathing out violent, even murderous threats.That's who God picks here. I don't know if we should read a link to King Saul, with his murderous plans toward David and his band. Saul was attacking the son of David and his band.

2) Many crave a Damascus experience. Epiphanies do occur, but the nurture and growth of a Christian is no less important.

3) Can you imagine having the chance to get revenge on Saul and accepting him as does?

4) Do you think we should make anything of the shared name Ananias and the man in ch. 5?

5) Physical miracles usually have a spiritual analogue. Here the scales fall from Saul's eyes when he is healed after his vision. Are the laying on of hands an ordination?