Worthy is the Lamb!

Rev. 5:9

And they sang a new song, saying, Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on earth.

 

Then the scene in the throne room of God turned to a scroll written within and on the back that was  sealed with seven seals. An angel posed the question, Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals? John knew grief even tears as he watched this scene because no one was worthy to open the scroll, but one of the elders spoke to John saying, Weep no more, behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals. Jesus could do what no one else could or would ever do! I can only think of the grief John felt when he considered life without the Lamb: No hope, no salvation, no sanctification, no glorification, no citizenship in heaven, no joint heir with Christ, no Father God, only an eternity of separation from God.

 

Between the throne and the 4 living creatures and among the elders was the Lamb standing as through He had been slain, with 7 horns and 7 eyes (which are the 7 Spirits of God). The Lamb was the perfection of God in sacrifice, in death, in salvation, and in resurrection life! Only the slain Lamb of God was worthy to take the scroll! The elders and the living creatures fell down before the Lamb each holding a harp and a golden bowl of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. How cool is that! No wonder the saints are to Pray without ceasing. God values and keeps our prayers. They are not sent up and discarded. How much do I value the slain Lamb? Is His sacrifice often the subject of my prayers? Do I ever take this salvation for granted? Do I realize practically and completely that without Jesus I would have no hope?

 

How does heaven respond to the Lamb? Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on earth. Then the angels joined in the chorus of loud praise saying, Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! Just to read this is so exciting! Then John heard every creature in heaven and earth saying, To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever! Every creature, even the atheist and the agnostic, everyone! So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. [Phil. 2:10-11] The 4 living creatures gave a loud,  Amen!  And the elders fell down and worshipped! Such perfect praise must be centered around the Son, the Lamb, the Savior, the Sacrifice, the Messiah! How glorious is this!

 

Father,

My heart joins in this great praise! Worthy is the Lamb who was slain and lives again! Thank You for choosing me and saving me and for having a sovereign plan and purpose that included my redemption. Put within me now the heart of praise that glorifies You.

In Jesus name,

Amen