“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory, and blessing.” Revelation 5:12
Dear Ones:
God opened for John the apostle a door in heaven, through which he would go to see and hear that which he had never seen or heard before. The magnitude of the vision was only surpassed by the grace given to a weak, sinful man, whose limits and capacities were infinitely small. And yet, in that which he perceived, God reveals to us something of true and highest worth. All that John sees is prefaced by what others in Scripture have been confronted with, the holiness of God. “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” (4:8) This vision of God upon His throne, and the “slain Lamb of God, this Lion of the tribe of Judah, was given to John specifically for us. It is a pathway given by the Holy God, by which we can truly worship and know Him. The subject of “worth” is brought consistently before us as being a key element in our understanding, so that we see things from God’s standpoint, and worship Him accordingly.
In the first mention of the subject in Revelation 4, we see that it is used in conjunction with the “Creator.” “Thou hast created all things.” (v. 11) What is necessary to create all things? In the Biblical account in the book of Genesis, we see the “goodness” of the Creator, permeating the entirety of His work of creation. There was not one thing made which was not an extension and manifestation of His goodness. Coupled with this beautiful picture, one that is perfect, without a flaw, is Divine Love, and the expression of that love. Out of that Heart, motive and disposition, “good and perfect will,” is born a beauty beyond comparison in that which was made, with wisdom, knowledge, and immeasurable power. So, what is the “natural” and perfect response to the revelation of God in His creation? “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor, and power.” All attributing of God’s worth, by the revelation of God’s intent and dealing with that which He created, is to be His and His alone.
When we come to the 5th chapter of Revelation, we are confronted again by the issue of worthiness. This time it pertains to the Redeemer, who by His blood has redeemed believers out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. (v.9) If there was any doubt as to God’s goodness revealed in His mercy, grace, and love in creation, there is absolutely NO argument to be made when considering what God did in redemption. John sees only ONE who is worthy, “…to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” (v.5) Who is this One? It is “a Lamb as it had been slain.” It is only by this singular, and all-encompassing “offering and sacrifice,” that mankind can be reconciled to God, cleansed from sin, receiving the life of Christ by the Spirit, to live by His power. So, there He stands in His perfection, bearing the scars of His suffering, the greatest declaration of the love of God. So, what does Scripture declare to us concerning His worth? “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.” (v. 12)
Dear Father, give us grace to look into heaven by your word, and see You sitting on Your throne, in Thy blessed worth and glory. Open our eyes to see the slain Lamb of God, our Redeemer, and the lover of our souls. Give us to grasp something of thy worthiness in and by what You have created, and in Christ, who has redeemed us from sin and death. Indeed, You are worthy, and You alone. “Blessing, and honor, and glory and power, be unto Him that sits on the throne, and unto the Lamb, forever and ever..” (v.13) In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad