December 17, 2025

Today's Reading: Revelation 5:1-14

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 33:1-24; Revelation 5:1-14

"...I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain..." (Revelation 5:6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Revelation is not a timeline of the last days, but an image of Christ and His Church at all times. Sure, the pictures described inside make the imagination run wild. But all of Scripture tells us about Jesus and what He has done for us. This chapter is no different.

There is only one worthy to open or close the book of life. Hailed as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, we instead see someone very different. A slain Lamb. Slain, yet standing. The English is a bit awkward here, since the Lamb doesn't merely appear slain, yet isn't actually slain. No, the Lamb is slain, and yet stands alive. This is Jesus. The one who can reveal the sealed is the same one who is the lionlike Lamb and is the same one who died and yet lives. And he has revealed to you that He has written your name in His book of life.

After all, He has placed His own name upon you. The name I AM when He speaks of Himself. The name Yahweh, which is Hebrew for HE IS, when we say it. His name, which He gives to you, also gives what it says. You are, through Him. You exist, you live, through Him. And to put that name upon you, the lionlike Lamb, the one who stands though slain, the one through whom all things exist, died. And He died for you. Only God can lay down His life and pick it back up again. And that's exactly what He did.

Almighty God traded His life in exchange for yours. He suffered in your place for your sins. He was nailed to a cross so that you would be saved. His blood is what blots out all the sins written in crimson, and your name is written in His book. You are buried with Him by baptism into death in order that when He rose, you now have His resurrection promised to you. This is why all the powers of heaven praise Him. Because He has gone out and found you, rescued you, saved you. That's what every verse in Scripture is about, including these.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Yea, her sins our God will pardon, Blotting out each dark misdeed; All that well deserved his anger He will no more see nor heed. She hath suffered many a day, Now her griefs have passed away; God will change her pining sadness Into ever-springing gladness. (LSB 347:2)

Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.