Worthy of Worship
*Revelation 5:1-14 [Take a moment and read this passage.]
Observations from the Structure of this Passage:
Notice that chapter 4 is very similar to chapter 5. In Revelation 4 we are introduced to the Throne Room of Heaven, where there is continual worship of God. (see 4:9-11)
Second, notice that chapter 5 introduces tension—“no one was able to open ‘the scroll’ or to look into it, and so I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy.” (5:3-4a)
What is this scroll? What does it contain? It is God’s plan to judge the world and vindicate His people as described in the rest of the book of Revelation. John weeps because he longs to see the righteous lifted up and the wicked cast down.
This tension is resolved (“Weep no more!”) because Jesus steps forward (“Behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah!”). He is worthy to preside over the culmination of history. He is worthy to judge. He is able to execute judgment and deliver His people.
Jesus is worthy. This is why the rest of the chapter bursts into celebration. Jesus is worthy because “You were slain and by Your blood You ransomed people for God…” (v9)
Emphasis
God has a complete plan. History is not random, meaningless, suffering and injustice. The story of God’s purposes will be read and it will be done. (Rev 21:6a)
Jesus will execute God’s plan. (What a sweet promise! See John 5:22-23)
Jesus alone is worthy. (Not, for example, any of us, or any politician, or military leader, or scientific genius, or any collection of “great people.” See Rev 5:3)
Argument of Revelation 5
Jesus is the one who will perfectly execute God’s righteous plan.
Often we wonder: Does God have a plan? Is there a plan? Is anyone in charge?
Or we wonder: Can any plan be righteous? Is that even possible to properly weight all the rights and all the wrongs, all the sufferings and all the kindnesses?
God does have a plan. Jesus can do it. It will be done.
It is the perfect plan, in the perfect Hands.
Good News
The Good News of the Gospel is the story of Jesus. The story of Jesus is still going on.
Part of what we believe is that Jesus Christ rose victorious from the grave and has ascended to the seat of power over all.
In other words, we believe what Jesus did and accomplished already, and we believe in what Jesus is doing now and will do in the future.
By His future work, He will bring to completion the work He has already begun. (E.g. Philippians 1:6)
Our Savior is overseeing all things righteously.
Application
Revelation 5 gives us two ways to apply the good news of this truth:
First, “weep no more.”
Why all the hand-wringing? Why all the worry? Why the neurotic “news” watching? Don’t we know who is working all things together? Don’t we know that it will be good?
So, instead, worship the One who is Worthy. Worship Jesus Christ.
When we stare at the power and allure of the world, the world’s temptations and threats grow large in our mind. There is a connection between fear and worship.
Revelation 5 invites us here-and-now to join the celebration of Heaven. Remember Christ Jesus. Let His worthiness grow large in your heart and mind. There’s no one like Him; there is none other beside Him, now and forever.
Prayer
Father, the world fills my heart with fear. The ups and downs, the threats and promises. Help me to remember Who is Over All Things. Help me to remember Jesus.
Jesus, when I remember that You, my Savior, are overseeing all things, I feel awash in comfort and hope. Holy Spirit, hold this vision before the eyes of my heart. Protect me from anxiety and distress (and keep me from giving time to stoking such worries). Lift me up by Your Word to behold these Wonders that I may Worship Jesus properly.
May my life be lived within the Worthiness of Christ today. And may my life be Worship today. In Jesus’ Name, and for His glory. Amen
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