Prophecy is like looking at a mountain range with aligning peaks stretching into the distance. The prophet can see the one immediately in front of him – his own situation – in greater detail and can describe it accordingly, but he may then, without necessarily realizing it, describe parts of one lying behind it (the not-too-distant future) and parts of still another at an extreme distance (the end times). The three appear mixed up and require discernment and the Spirit's guidance to separate them out.

With Revelation, we not only have this, but also a cycle of visions covering virtually the same ground; not one that is sequential. This is illustrated in Chapter 11 which includes the words: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever" (11:15); yet, at this point, John is far from finishing his prophecies concerning the kingdoms of this world.

Plus Revelation uses apocalyptic language which is not just difficult to understand but is capable of different interpretations. Let's look at an example. "Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah … has conquered … and … I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth" (Rev. 5:5-6).

John is expecting to see the Lion and he sees a Lamb! The Greek word used 29 times in Revelation for "Lamb" is only found in one other place: when Jesus said to Peter "Feed my lambs" (John 21:15). There it refers to those in need of a shepherd, not to an all-conquering champion. It is striking and unexpected to have such an animal chosen to symbolize Christ. Compare that to the language used to describe Satan's servant: "The beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth" (Rev. 13:2).

The Lamb has 7 horns. 7 is the number of perfection and the horn is a symbol of strength (Dt. 33:17). So we have the slain Lamb very much alive and perfect in mighty power! He has 7 eyes described as "the seven spirits of God". This could refer to the Holy Spirit, but it seems more likely to be a reference to the Lamb as being all-seeing and all-knowing; that is, omniscient. Nothing escapes him (Zec. 4:10). The King of Glory becomes the Lamb of God who sacrifices his life in order to conquer the god of this world and to make it once more the kingdom of the Father and the Son where Jesus will reign for ever and ever!