April 30, 2023 The primary image for the Risen Christ in the Book of Revelation is "the Lamb that was slain." It is easy for us to forget just how startling this image is. John sees a scroll with seven seals that contains God's plans for the unfolding of history but wept because none were found worthy to open it. The elders told John that the Lion of David could open the scroll because he was victorious and had conquered. John looked but what he saw looked nothing like what the elders described. He saw a Lamb that was slain, standing near the altar. One might have expected a powerful lion to be worthy of opening the scroll and leading them into God's future, but certainly no one would expect a slain lamb to be in such a position. That's just how God works! God upends our expectations. Instead of coming to us in a magnificent display of power, Christ comes to us in meekness. Instead of winning with violence, Christ comes in peace. Everything about how Jesus lived demonstrated his trust and his submission to God. Many of Jesus' followers today find his teachings impractical and impossible. In a world addicted to violence, it's hard to imagine embracing non-violence. Join us at 10 am Sunday when we will sing God's praise, pray for one another and for our world, and consider what it means to follow the example of the "Lamb that was slain." We hope to see you!!!...