"Worthy is the Lamb"

Revelation 5:1-14 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 

Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders.

 The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people. And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." 

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" 

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped. 

 Rich in symbolic language, the apostle John seeks to communicate what God has allowed him to see in a sneak peak of Heaven......God pulls back the curtain and allows John in on a beautiful picture of eternity. While we won't seek in an e-devo to unpack the whole picture here, I want to note one very important aspect of this scripture that aligns with our journey this week on worship: Note that there is a deep and abiding humility and exhilarant praise in the corridor of heavens for Jesus Christ (referred to here as the Lamb, Lion of Judah, Root of David). He is the central figure.

He is the only one worthy to take the scroll from the right hand of God. All in heaven sing His praises and fall before Him. The attention of the angels, elders, and every living creature in heaven centers on Him. Note that the emphasis is not on the style of the music or who the worship leader might be or what songs they sing. There is no focus on what church or denomination is represented. There is no mention of special persons who deserve to be at this celebration. It is clear that if it were not for the lamb......no one is worthy! The entire celebration of Heaven is centered on the central figure of God's saving and redemptive grace........Jesus Christ. He receives all the praise, honor, and glory!

 Quite honestly, I think worship styles, preferences for music, worship leaders, preachers, and "what church do you attend?" are all overrated! We sometimes overplay ourselves and underplay Jesus Christ in our worship. Worship is not about me or you! Worship is about Jesus Christ! He is the hero.....He is your only means of salvation, eternity, forgiveness of sins, and new life! We enter weekend worship and a lifestyle of worship out of a deep and abiding humility before this sovereign Lord and we praise Him out of the deepest places of our soul because if it were not for Him, we would have no hope or future! You can do traditional, contemporary, or convergent but if Jesus is not at the center, it's just drums and organs and guitars. You can be a part of a very small church, mega church, Baptist church, United Methodist church or a non-denominational church, but if Jesus is not at the center, you are simply a part of an institution that will one day become a museum or community center.

 From the beginning of creation until the final scroll is unrolled in heaven, Jesus is all that matters!

 Prayer

 Heavenly Father, may my heart and life always be centered on Jesus. To Him be the honor, glory, and praise! Amen. 

 Jerry Sweat Jerry Sweat is Lead Pastor at Beach Church in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Contact Jerry through his assistant Marion at marion.shotwell@beachchurchjax.com

 Beach Church: www.beachchurchjax.com