The sadness and despair would be overwhelming, wouldn't it? If there was no hope - no promise of things to come? Just as the disciples were fearful after Jesus' crucifixion, John was overwhelmed with feelings of desperation. Who would be the one?
"The Lion Who Is A Lamb" -the one who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise - the resurrected Son of God - Jesus.