Revelation 5
Revelation 5: The Worthiness of the Lamb and Our Response of Praise
In Revelation 5, we are taken into a powerful scene in heaven where a new song is being sung—one that celebrates the worthiness of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who alone can open the scroll sealed with seven seals. This passage invites us into a deeper understanding of God's greatness and challenges us to reflect on our own relationship with Him. As we explore this chapter, we discover not only why Jesus is worthy but also why our response should be one of continual worship and praise.
The Worthiness of Jesus
At the heart of Revelation 5 is the question of worthiness. John sees a scroll in the right hand of the one seated on the throne, but no one is found worthy to break its seals and open the scroll. The question isn’t about strength or intelligence—it’s about who has the worthiness to accomplish this task. And then, in the midst of the heavenly silence, the Lamb is revealed—Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David. He is the only one worthy to open the scroll because of His sacrifice on the cross.
Jesus’ worthiness is rooted in His role as the perfect sacrifice. Through His death, He paid the ultimate price for the sins of the world, and His resurrection confirmed that He has conquered death itself. As the Lamb who was slain, Jesus not only purchases our freedom but also invites us into a new kingdom as priests to serve God.
The New Song of Praise
As Jesus takes the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fall before Him and sing a new song. This song celebrates the fact that Jesus is worthy because He was slain and with His blood, He purchased people from every tribe, language, people, and nation. In this song, we see the ultimate purpose of Christ’s sacrifice: to redeem us, to make us part of His kingdom, and to give us a role as priests to serve God. It is a song of victory, celebrating the redemption of mankind and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.
What’s incredible about this moment is that it’s not just about Jesus’ victory on the cross—it's also about how His victory has transformed us. We are no longer captives to sin; we have been redeemed and invited to participate in God’s work on earth. We are part of His kingdom, and we are called to serve and reign alongside Him.
Our Response: Worship and Praise
So why should we praise God? It’s a question that many people ask. The truth is, God doesn’t need our praise—He is already complete and glorious in Himself. But He desires it because He wants a relationship with us. Our praise is an expression of our recognition of who He is and what He has done. Just like when we witness greatness in any field—whether in sports, music, or nature—we can’t help but express our awe and excitement. How much more should we respond to the greatness of God, who has redeemed us from sin and death?
As we reflect on Revelation 5, we are reminded of the worthiness of Jesus and the victory He has secured for us. This should naturally lead us to worship. The new song sung in heaven is a model for our own lives. We are invited to join in that eternal chorus of praise, not just in moments of corporate worship, but every day as we reflect on God’s greatness.
A Call to Reflect and Respond
As we close, we encourage you to ask yourself two questions:
Why is it necessary to praise God?
How often does praise and worship flow from you?
These questions invite us to pause and consider the magnitude of what Jesus has done. As we reflect on His worthiness, may our hearts be stirred to worship Him more deeply, both in our words and actions. Let our lives be a constant offering of praise, as we join with the angels and elders in heaven, proclaiming the worth of the Lamb who was slain for our redemption.
Take time today to reflect on Revelation 5, and let it inspire a fresh wave of praise and worship in your life.
