Revelation 5:8-14
Please read your Bible text: Rev 5:8-14.
Notice the worship in recognition of the worth of our Lord Jesus as He takes the scroll from God, the Father. Jesus is the only one worthy or qualifies to break the seals and unleashes God’s purposes. He is the only one who qualifies to put an end to the present world. The four living creatures (Rev 4:6) and the twenty-four elders (representing 12 Jewish Tribes & 12 Apostles) – each having a harp and golden bowl of incense fell to worship the Lamb (Jesus). The Harp is an instrument of worship, and the golden bowl full of incense is the prayers of the saints. We can rest assured that all our prayers are kept and brought before the Throne of God.
Notice in the worship songs here in vv.9-11 – we found the reasons why Jesus is the only one worthy and qualifies to break the seals. He is worthy…
For He has redeemed us – vv.8-9
Jesus is worthy or qualifies to unleash the prophetic scroll of God’s purposes because He is the only one who had laid down His life and shed His blood to redeem us (v.9). Because of His love for us, He came to shed His blood to purchase us (redeem us) from sins and condemnation, a dear price He has paid. And if we are His acquired property, He will surely protect us and provides for us.
For He has made us kings and priest of God – vv.9-10
If we are to be a kingdom and priest unto our God (v.10), let us trust Him and allowed Him to order how we should live our lives in a way to perform these sacred roles as kings and priests. But first, we must embrace this truth of scripture that we are to be a kingdom and priest to our God (v.10). As a kingdom, we must learn to reign in life. As a priest, we must learn to stand before God in worship and in intercession for our fellow saints. Simply put, we must live as kings and priests in our daily life even now.
I believe if we allow this ‘kingdom and priests’ truth to sink deep into our minds and souls, somehow our lives will begin to show the difference. Others will see us as a special people, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a people belonging to God (1 Peter 2:9).
For He is the all-encompassing One – vv.11-14
Notice the resounding and the rippling effect the worship to the Lamb in heaven – first from the inner circle of the four living beings and the 24 Elders – the encircling ripple effect touches the myriads of angels on a widening circle and then rippling to further afield, to the entire creation including the universe! Indeed, Jesus is worthy for all our worship for He is the all-encompassing One of the Universe.
Do you see that as His purchased (or redeemed) people we stand closer to Christ and to God in worship than all the angels! This is awesome!
Think: We the Redeemed stand closer to God than all the angels.
Prayer: Lord, I realize that the angels in heaven could not sing the song of the redeemed. The angels envy my status as the redeemed more than theirs as the created being. Draw me closer to you Lord in ever-increasing hunger and longing for you.
Leave a Reply