THE LAMB AND THE DRAGON. Chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation describe the symbolic vision John received of the heavenly throne room. He saw God upon the throne (Rev. 4:2-4) and before Him the heavenly court. "And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain" (Rev. 5:6, RSV). The Lamb represents Christ, who by His shed blood "ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation" (verse 9, NRSV). All heaven rang with a mighty chorus of praise: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" (verse 12, NRSV).
What a contrast is John's depiction of Satan as "a great red dragon" (Rev. 12:3, RSV; compare verse 9). This demonic creature not only caused the fall of one third of the angels (verses 4, 9), he tried to destroy the infant Jesus and persecuted God's faithful people for centuries (verses 6, 14 ). The same dragon will pursue end-time believers who follow the Lamb (Rev. 12:17).
Whom will you serve, the dragon or the Lamb?