Worship The Lamb of God!

 REVELATION 5:1-14

THEME:  John Continues His Description of His Vision of the Heavenly Glory and the Worship of Christ Around God's Throne.  The Jesus Christ, The Lamb, Is Worshiped as the Redeemer and Declared Worthy to Open the Seven-sealed Scroll.

In the previous article entitled "Worthy Is The Lamb" we explored the awe inspiring representation of Christ glorious coronation ceremony in Heaven. We explored from Revelation 5, why Jesus Christ is worthy of our most profound worship. We also witnessed how the stage was set for the transfer of the sealed scroll from the Father to the Son. In this portion of Revelation chapter five, we discover more solid reasons for the unrestrained worship and adoration of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only do we worship Him because of Who He is and Where He is, but also:

I. Worship The Lamb Because of What He Does (Rev 5:8-10). 

As before mentioned, He receives the scroll from the hand of the Father upon the Throne as the One who has prevailed and is worthy to loose the seals and release the judgments that are listed within the scroll.  When this transpires something wonderful unfolds that is worthy of our undivided attention.  We find that . . . .

                                   

A.  HE STIRS THE SUPPLICATIONS OF HEAVEN (Rev. 5:8):

 When the Lamb came and took the scroll (see Dan 7:13-14), the weeping ended and the praising began.

   1.  The Beautiful Beasts Fall Down and Worship Christ.

Prostration was particularly a sign of worship before gods and kings in antiquity; Jewish texts usually reserved it for God himself. This is unrestrained unimpeded worship of Jesus Christ as God–this fact cannot be denied by any stretch of the imagination. These creatures in an act of utter humiliation, reverence, honor, worship and adoration lay themselves before the feet of Jesus Christ. They bow themselves low in the presence of Him who is High and truly Exalted!

APPLICATION:  Psalm 95:6-7, O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. [7] For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

   2.  The 24 Elders Fall Down and Worship Christ.

Likewise, the twenty-four elders fall down before the Lamb, holding golden bowls filled with the prayers of God's people.  It seems again that such worship is contagious! By doing so the blood-washed band of believers join in the magnifications of the most exalted Christ.

        A.  With Their Praise.  “Harps”

These ancient stringed instruments not only accompanied the praise songs of God’s people (1 Chr. 25:6; Ps. 33:2), but also accompanied prophecy (1 Sam. 10:5).  In Heaven, the harps probably indicate worship as in the Levitical temple choir of old (1 Chron 25:1, 3, 6; 2 Chron 5:12; 29:25; Neh 12:27).

             1.  Praise is Inspired by Recognizing His Presence.

Quote: “Christianity is not a theory or speculation, but a life; not a philosophy of life, but a living presence. This realization can turn any gloom into a song.” —S. T. Coleridge

           

             2.  Praise is What our Lord Deserves Most.

It is not an option whether we will offer praise—it is one of God’s commands. The Scriptures clearly teach that we are to offer a sacrifice of praise to God continually (Hebrews 13:15, 16). Our daily sacrifices of praise should include joyful songs for whom Christ is—“our blessed Redeemer.” Then we need to praise God for all of His daily blessings, which are indeed beyond number. We should offer praise even for the trials of life for they are often blessings in disguise. Finally, our sacrifices should include praises for His leading in ways yet to be experienced.

APPLICATION:  Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness; Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song!  Psalm 71:23,  My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast Psalm 146:2,  While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. redeemed.

Even though Charles Wesley had a strict religious training in his youth, was education at Oxford University, and rendered missionary service in the new colony of Georgia, he had no peace or joy in his heart and life. Returning to London after a discouraging time in America, he met with a group of Moravians in the Aldersgate Hall and came to realize that “salvation is by faith alone.” In his journal of May 20th he wrote:

“At midnight I gave myself to Christ, assured that I was safe, whether sleeping or waking. I had the continual experience of His power to overcome all temptation, and I confessed with joy and surprise that He was able to do exceeding abundantly for me above what I can ask or think.”

It was in this spirit of joyous enthusiasm Charles began to write new hymns with increased fervor. He traveled throughout Great Britain with his older brother John a quarter of a million miles, mostly on horseback, leading great crowds in singing his hymns in mass outdoor services of 40,000 people.

With every new spiritual experience or thought that crossed Charles’ mind, a new hymn was born. Even on his deathbed it is said that he dictated to his wife a final hymn of praises to the Lord he had loved so intimately and served so effectively.

“An Can It Be That I Should Gain?”

And can it be that I should gain an int’rest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued?

He left His Father’s throne above, so free, so infinite His grace! Emptied Himself of all but love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race.

No condemnation now I dread; I am my Lord’s and He is mine: Alive in Him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine.

Refrain: Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

        B.  With Their Prayers.  “Golden Vials full of odours” (Rev. 5:8)

            1.  This is an Act of Priests in the Temple of Heaven.

The image of prayers as incense is not unusual in Scripture (Ps 141:2), but here it alludes to the altar of incense and its censer in the heavenly temple (Rev 8:3). In the ancient economy of Israel, the Priests stood twice daily before the inner veil of the temple and offered incense so that the smoke of odors would carry into the Holy of Holies and fill the nostrils of Jehovah. This symbolized the people’s prayers rising to Him.

            2.  This is an Act of Prayer for Final Redemption.

John refers to these golden vials as the “prayers of the saints.” Specifically, these prayers represent all that the redeemed have ever prayed concerning ultimate and final redemption.  Not a single prayer regarding redemption will go unnoticed by the Lord of Glory.

                                                     

            3.  This is an Act of Pleasure for it was Most Pleasing to God.

God's people and the representatives of God's creation joined their voices in prayers of praise. Notice that Praise and Prayer were united, for incense is a picture of prayer rising to the throne of God (Ps 141:2; Luke 1:10). This symbolizes His satisfaction, pleasure, and delight for He inhabits the Praises of His people (Ps. 22:3).  We shall meet the "incense prayers" of the saints again (Rev 6:9-11; 8:1-6).

APPLICATION: Should not our worship and prayers of praise likewise please our God as we cry out to Him in joyful words of praise.  May our hearts blend like the incense on the altar ascend into the very nostrils of our God on the throne who is absolutely worthy of our prayers of praise.

Psalm 141:2, Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

B.  HE STIMULATES THE CELEBRATIONS OF HEAVEN (Rev. 5:9-10).

What kind of song did they sing?

   1.  A Worship Song.   (Rev. 5:9)

To begin with, it was a worship hymn, for they said, "Thou art worthy!" To worship means "to ascribe worth," and Jesus alone is worthy.

                                                     

When I served as a Pastor and worship leader, I loved to open each morning worship service with a hymn that lifted the congregation's minds and hearts upward to the Lord Jesus Christ. My aim was to fill the congregations minds with reflections of Christ from the start. Too many contemporary songs are "I" centered rather than "Christ" centered. They so emphasize the believer's experience that they almost ignore the Lord's glory. Certainly there is a place for that kind of song, but nothing can compare with adoring Christ in deeply spiritual worship (MacDonald).

    2.  A Gospel Song.  (Rev. 5:9)

But this song was also a Gospel song! "Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us by Thy blood." The word   “slain” means "violently slain" (Rev 5:6).

          A.  Heaven Sings About the Redemption of Slaves!

The fact that the Lamb was "killed" refers to Christ's death on the cross as recorded in the Gospels. Through his blood shed on the cross, he ransomed his people.  The word "redeemed" refers to the price paid to release a slave from bondage.  The sacrificial death of Christ on behalf of us sinners made Him worthy to take the scroll (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:3; 1 Pet. 1:18,19; 2 Pet. 2:1).

          B.  Heaven Sings about the Cross and the Blood!

I read about a denomination that revised its official hymnal and removed all songs about the blood of Christ. That hymnal could never be used in Heaven, because there they glorify the Lamb slain for the sins of the world (Wiersbe).

In Gen 22, a ram was substituted for Isaac, a picture of Christ giving His life for the individual (see Gal 2:20). At Passover, the lamb was slain for each family (Ex 12:3). Isaiah states that Jesus died for the nation of Israel (Isa 53:8; see also John 11:49-52). John affirms that the Lamb died for the whole world! (John 1:29) The more we meditate on the power and scope of Christ's work on the cross, the more humbled and worshipful we will become. Give me a song about Calvary; sing another "blood song!"

   3.  A Missionary Song.  (Rev. 5:9)

This song was also a missionary song. Sinners were redeemed "out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation", (Rev 5:9). “Kindred” refers to a common ancestor and “tongue” to a common language. “People” means a common race, and “nation” a common rule or government.

APPLICATION: Beloved, God loves the whole world (John 3:16) and His desire is that the message of redemption be taken to a whole world (Matt 28:18-20). No one should be ignored because of the language they speak, the nation they belong to, the color of their skin, or the ancestral heritage they have (Walvoord). 

Perhaps you have heard about the Christian who was against "foreign missions" but somehow happened to attend a missionary rally. When they passed the offering plate, he told the usher, "I don't believe in missions!" "Then take something out" said the usher. "It's for the heathen. "

   4.  A Devotional Song.   (Rev. 5:10)

This heavenly hymn was also a devotional hymn, for it announced our unique position in Christ as "a kingdom of priests." Like Melchizedek of old, believers are “kings and priests” (Gen 14:17 ff; Heb 7; 1 Peter 2:5-10) (MacDonald). The veil of the temple was torn when Jesus died, and the way is opened to God (Heb 10:19-25). We "reign in life" as we yield to Christ and allow His Spirit to work in us (Rom 5:17).

   5.  A Prophetic Song. (Rev. 5:10)

Finally, this song was a prophetic hymn: "We shall reign on the earth" (Rev 5:10). When Jesus Christ returns to earth, He will establish His righteous kingdom for 1,000 years; and we shall reign with Him (Rev 20:1-6). The prayers of the saints, "Thy kingdom come!" will then be fulfilled. Creation shall then be set free from bondage to sin (Isa 11:1-10; Rom 8:17-23), and Christ shall reign in justice and power.

What a marvelous hymn! How rich would be our worship if only we would blend all these truths to honoring Christ Jesus!

II. Worship The Lamb Because of What He Has (Rev 5:11-14). 

In this closing burst of praise, all the angels and every creature in the universe joined together to worship the Redeemer.

A.  THE ADORATION OF HEAVEN (Rev. 5:11-12)

The lyrics praise God for his wonderful work of redemption.

   1.  The Heavenly Throng.

        A.  Their Diversity (Rev. 5:11)

              1.  Many Angels; All of heaven's elect angels (5:11 a)

              2.  The Beautiful Beasts; the four angelic living creatures (5:11)

              3.  The Elders; All of heaven's redeemed sinners (5:11 b)

        B.  Their Density (Rev. 5:11b)

Millions and perhaps billions of participants join in this next round of praise. Heaven will be well populated; Christ's sacrifice is not in vain!!

   2.  The Heavenly Theme.   (Rev. 5:12)

What a cascade of harmony John heard! In this hymn, they stated those things that Jesus Christ deserved to receive because of His sacrificial death on the cross. When He was on earth, people did not ascribe these things to Him; for many of these things He deliberately laid aside in His humiliation.

         A.  He is Worthy to Receive Power.   (Rev. 5:12)

He was born in weakness and He died in weakness; but He is the recipient of all power.

         B.  He is Worthy to Receive Riches.

He became the poorest of the poor (2 Cor 8:9), and yet He owns all the riches of heaven and earth.

         C.  He is Worthy to Receive Wisdom.

Men laughed at Him and called Him a fool; yet He is the very wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24; Col 2:3).

         D.  He is Worthy to Receive Strength.

He shared in the sinless weaknesses of humanity as He hungered, thirsted, and became weary. Today in glory, He possesses all strength (MacDonald).

         E.  He is Worthy to Receive Honor and Glory. (Rev. 5:12)

On earth, He experienced humiliation and shame as sinners ridiculed and reviled Him. They laughed at His kingship and attired Him in a mock robe, crown, and scepter. But all of that is changed now! He has received all honor and glory! Hallelujah!!!

         F.  He is Worthy to Receive Blessing.

And yes, blessing! He became a curse for us on the cross (Gal 3:13), so that we can never be under the curse of the broken Law again. Certainly "praises" and "blessings," belong to Him for He is worthy of all praise (MacDonald)!

B.  THE ADULATION OF THE UNIVERSE (Rev. 5:13-14)

In these final verses we have a worship section that involves “every creature” in the worship of the Father and the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Perhaps this is best described as a foreshadow of Phil. 2:6-11.

   1.  Those Who Rendered the Song of Praise. (Rev. 5:13)

         A.  Every Creature in Heaven (5:13a)

         B.  Every Creature on Earth (5:13b)

         C.  Every Creature in the Sea (5:13)

         D.  Every Creature under the Earth (5:13c)

         E.  Every Creature Renders a Four Fold Proclamation.

             1.  Blessing

             2.  Honor

             3.  Glory.

             4.  Power.

All creation in heaven, earth, sea and the realm of the dead finally joins the host of holy angels (v. 13). Whereas the praise of heaven in vs 8–12 celebrates the Lamb’s initiating the kingdom age, the universal worship of God, and the Lamb awaits its consummation in the future. The same applies to the hymn of Phil. 2:6–11: the Lord has been given the name above every name at his exaltation to the throne of God; its acknowledgment awaits his manifestation in glory. But it is certain!

   2.  Those Who Received the Song of Praise (Rev. 5:13).

        A.  The Godhead Receive It.   (Rev. 5:13)

The worship service climaxed with all of the universe praising the Lamb of God and the Father seated on the throne!

        B.  The Beautiful Beasts “Amen” It.  (Rev. 5:14).

And there was even a loud "Amen!" from the four Beautiful Beasts! In heaven, we are permitted to say "Amen!"  Keep in mind that all of this praise centered on the Lord Jesus Christ, the Redeemer. It is not Christ the Teacher, but Christ the Savior, who is the theme of their worship. While an unconverted person could praise the Creator, he certainly could not sincerely praise the Redeemer until he or she repents believing the Gospel.

        C.  The 24 Elders Responded to It. (Rev. 5:14).

As the chapter and the praise session concludes, we leave the redeemed people of God on their faces bowed down before the Lord. This should be our response also. Why not clear of some time right now to praise the Lord of glory.

CONCLUSION:

All of heaven's praise came because the Lamb took the scroll from the Father's hand. God's great eternal plan would now be fulfilled and creation would be set free from the bondage of sin and death. One day the Lamb will break the seals and put in motion events that will eventually lead to His coming to earth and the establishment of His kingdom (Wiersbe).

As you share in these heavenly worship services, do you find your own heart saying "Amen!" to what they have sung? You may believe in Christ as the Creator, but have you trusted Him as your Redeemer?

If not, will you do so right now?

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me" (Rev 3:20).

Why should the Christian feel compelled to worship Jesus Christ the Redeemer?  Because of :

I.  Who He is.                                                                                            

II. Where He is.

III. What He Does.

IV. What He Has.

With the heavenly vision of chapters 4-5, the stage was set for the dramatic events to follow, the opening of the seven seals. It is clear from this revelation that Heaven is real, not imagined. These two chapters reveal the indescribable glory and infinite majesty of the Godhead in heaven. The following chapters reveal this sovereign power of God expressed in judgment on a wicked world sunk in unprecedented depths of sin and blasphemy. Though believers today do not have the privilege of sharing John’s vision or a similar one granted to Paul (2 Cor. 12:1-3), every believer can take the word pictures of Scripture here and anticipate the glory and the wonder of the heavenly scene that we will someday see with our own eyes (Wiersbe).