The End Times as God Reveals Them. Pt. 14 Prayer, Praise and Worship for the Lamb of God

The Lamb of God exercises His authority. 

Revelation 5:6-7  And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7) And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 

John captured the glory, power and authority of Jesus Christ, the risen Lamb of God. The strong angel asked if anyone in heaven could be found who was worthy to open the 7 sealed book of God. No one was found worthy and John wept.

However, one of the 24 elders comforted John by telling him that Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah and the Root of David had power and prevailed over death. Jesus is worthy to take this book and open it. He came and took the book from the hand of the Father in heaven. 

Jesus the Lamb of God is heir of all things.

Hebrews 1:1-3  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2) Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3) Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 

Notice that the Father has given all things to His Son, Jesus Christ. He appointed Christ as heir of all things in heaven and in earth. As the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus died and shed His blood to take away the sins of the world. After His resurrection and ascension into heaven, He was seated at the Father's right hand in glory. 

Thus, Jesus has the right and legal authority to boldly come to the Father and lay claim to this mysterious, 7 sealed book. John said that Jesus "took" the book from the Father's right hand. The word "took" means to take something that rightfully belongs to you. Jesus shed His blood and laid down His life for sinners and He became the heir of all things. 

Praise and Prayer go hand in hand. 

Revelation 5:8  And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 

Notice what happens in heaven when Jesus takes this book from the Father. The Cherubim and the 24 elders all fall down in worship to the Lamb of God. It is an act of profound worship given to God. 

I call your attention to an important detail that John gave us. All the beasts and elders were holding harps and gold vials full of sweet, aromatic fragrances. Harps are instruments used for worship and their posture before the Lamb of God was absolute and holy worship. What is remarkable is that the golden vials full of sweet fragrances are said to be the prayers of saints. This reminds all of us that praise and prayer go hand in hand in the life of each believer.

A New Song Sung by the Redeemed

Revelation 5:9-10  And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10) And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 

John goes on to tell us about the worship scene that he observed. This worship song is sung to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. It is a worship text that tells us why Jesus has the right to take the book from the Father's hand. The word "worthy" means having immense weight and value. It means having excellence in all things. Jesus the Lamb of God is worthy. 

Why is Christ the Worthy One? Why are the cherubim and elders so moved to praise and worship when Jesus takes the book? Their praise and adoration are anchored in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross to redeem sinners from their sins. 

Jesus died. He shed His blood. He laid His life down and after three days He took it up again. Death could not hold Him. Satan could not restrain the Son of God. The salvation of God through Jesus Christ is a priceless gift from God to every man, woman or child regardless of their ethnicity, education, wealth, status, all around the world. Jesus paid for the sins of the world and He will save anyone in the world who will turn to Him in repentant faith. 

This is why Jesus is worthy to take the book and open the seals. The cherubim and elders also praised God for making them kings and priests who will reign on earth. God plans to create a new heaven and earth and the eternal kingdom will be established. 

A nation of priests serving God.

1 Peter 2:9-10  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10) Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 

Peter wrote about what the redeemed people of God are looking forward to. We are chosen by God to be involved in some way with worship and pointing people to the Lord of Glory. We will participate in leading worship, governing the earth and teaching His truth to all nations. We are called to be a peculiar, special people of God who show others the praises of our wonderful God.

Salvation is when God calls us out of the darkness of sin and the depraved culture and lovingly brings us into the powerful pure light of the gospel. Peter also tells us that people who were not connected with the covenant of God have obtained mercy through Jesus Christ, and are now made partakers of the promises. 

A Massive Multitude of Believers

Revelation 5:11  And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 

Daniel 7:10  A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. 

What did John see next? He saw the same sight that Daniel saw about 700 years prior. Both men are describing a mass of people surrounding the throne of God in heaven. John tells us about the Cherubim and Elders who were worshipping along with a vast host of people. Both men spoke of thousands and thousands and ten thousands times ten thousands of people. A massively large number of redeemed people, all those who are washed in the blood of the Lamb. 

Worship fills all Heaven & Earth.

Revelation 5:12-14  Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13) And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14) And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. 

Here is more of the worship text of the new song being sung to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Notice that this text begins with the crown jewel of God's redemption plan, the Lamb that was slain! This is powerful, passionate praise and wholehearted worship. All the people and four cherubim gathered around the throne are filling the halls of heaven with loud voices. Jesus is the Worthy One. 

All in heaven loudly proclaim that Jesus the Lamb of God is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing. All of these 7 blessings are for Christ. This represents the completeness and wholeness of the work and person of Christ in securing  salvation for all those who put their trust and faith in Him. 

Tremendous worship spills out from the halls of heaven and flood all of heaven and earth. Every creature everywhere in heaven and on the earth, in the seas or under the earth, join the heavenly host in praising the Lord. Jesus Christ will receive blessing, honor, glory and power forever. 

As this joyous, God honoring worship concludes, the 4 beasts shout "Amen" which is a word that means so be it and indicates full agreement with what was said. After this, the 24 elders fall down once more to worship the God of Glory and the Son of God.   

Thoughts to Ponder...

John shows us that the Lamb of God is the focal point in heaven. Is He the focal point of our lives?

John shows us that believers will have a new song to sing. Are we singing and making melody in our hearts today?

John shows us that there will be worship and governing tasks for believers to do in heaven. Are we serving God now and being responsible believers?

John gives us one more detailed look into the throne room of heaven so that we may be encouraged by the fact that the Godhead is in control of all things, no matter how bad it gets on earth. The next chapter begins to unveil what is going to happen when God judges the wicked. 

Yet, you do not have to be judged with the wicked. God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Christ will save you and give you a new heart if you turn from your sin and turn to Christ with repentant faith. 

Bob