Worthy is the Lamb

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” – Revelation 5:13

Revelation 4-5 draws back the curtain of human history to give us a glimpse into the throne room of heaven. In chapter 4, God sits at center stage on His throne, receiving the worship of all His creatures. The message is obvious: God reigns. In chapter 5, our focus shifts to the Lamb who was slain. Christ is declared to be worthy to open the scroll because He has conquered sin, death, and the grave. His resurrection declared that the crucified Lamb is the victorious King who has established an everlasting kingdom. The One who humbled Himself unto death now reigns forever, and people from every tribe, language, people, and nation are being gathered into His kingdom. 

As Revelation 5:11-14 reveals, the only proper response to Christ’s victory is worship. These verses picture heaven and earth joining together in praise of Him. We worship Christ because He is worthy. He alone is worthy to receive glory and honor. This reason for worshipping Christ contrasts with the motivation of most 21^st-century Western Christians, who worship Christ because of what He does for them. These verses reveal that we worship Him for who He is regardless of what He can or does do for us. He is worthy in Himself to receive our praise. He gave Himself for us, conquered death, and now reigns eternally. Our worship declares that Christ is King, His kingdom is certain, and our future is secure in Him. Every Lord’s Day anticipates the day when the whole redeemed creation will join in the worship of the victorious Lamb. So, live today as a citizen of Christ’s eternal kingdom, giving Him your allegiance, praising Him for His victory over death, and letting your daily life bear witness that Jesus Christ alone is worthy. 

Prayer: Victorious Lord, You are the eternal King and are worthy of all my praise, glory, and honor. Forgive me for thinking of Your worthiness mainly in terms of what You can do for me, and give me the grace to worship You for who You are, the glorious and eternal King of Creation. 

Suggested Scripture Readings

• Philippians 2:1–11
• 1 Corinthians 15:20–28

Questions for Reflection

1. How does Christ’s victory over death change the way you understand both worship and your daily life?
2. What is one area of your life where you need to live more consciously as a citizen of Christ’s eternal kingdom?