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The Lamb Worthy of Worship

 

Lesson Text: Revelation 5:6-14

Related Scriptures: John 1:29-34; Revelation 20:1-6

 

TIME: About A.D. 96                                       PLACE: From Patmos

 

GOLDEN TEXT—"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing" (Revelation 5:12).

 

Introduction

The word "forever" is a big part Of our Christian vocabulary. We speak of the Lord who has lived and shall live forever, and we rejoice in the fact that We Shall Live Forever In Heaven.

We know that the word "forever" means "without end," or "eternal," but many Of us do not take enough time to ponder the concept of the word "forever." Though we can never grasp its meaning fully, we would do well to meditate regularly on this important truth.

The Triune God has lived forever. He had no beginning. There never was a time when He did not exist. We cannot know when He began. Our finite minds cannot grasp this truth. Looking ahead, we know that all of us who believe and trust the Lord will worship the Lord forever and ever! We will never cease to worship Him. Lead your students in this study to capture a small part of this eternal worship.

 

LESSON OUTLINE

1. The Lamb In The Midst Of The Throne—Rev. 5:6-7

2. The Worship Around The Throne—Rev. 5:8-14

 

Exposition: Verse by Verse

 

THE LAMB IN THE MIDST OF THE THRONE Rev. 5:6

6 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.

 

The Lamb's description (Rev. 5:6).

In Revelation 4, we were introduced to the throne room in heaven where John saw God the Father on the throne (vs. 2), surrounded by Four Creatures And Twenty-Four Elders. We also saw God the Holy Spirit represented in The Seven Lamps Of Fire (vs. 5). In the first five verses of Revelation 5, we read about An Event In This Throne Room That Prepares Us For The Appearance Of God The Son. In the Father's right hand is "a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals" (vs. 1).

This book was probably in the form Of A Scroll. The seven seals were most likely not all on the outside of the rolled scroll. Rather, every time the scroll was rolled once, a seal was put on it to hold it. Thus, when a person unrolled the scroll, he had to break the seals one by one.

What was written in the book? We are not told, but some have thought it was The Terms To A Deed, like what is described in Jeremiah 32: 7-15. {If this is the case, perhaps this book is the title deed to the universe.)Q1 The universal worship in the last part Of Revelation 5 would certainly support that idea.

We must also connect this book with Revelation 6, 7, and 8, where we learn that The Lamb Unrolled The Scroll and opened each Of the Seven Seals, which brought Judgments on the earth. The fact that the book had seven seals reminds us of God's perfection, even in judgment. Ezekiel was handed a similar scroll when God sent him to warn Israel about their impending exile (2:9—3:3). Christ's opening Of the scroll is thus a fulfillment of Ezekiel's ministry.

John then saw a "strong angel" who asked this question: "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?" (Rev. 5:2). We are not told the identity Of the "strong angel," but it may be Gabriel since his name means "God is my strength." The answer immediately came back that no one in the universe ("No Man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth") was able to open the book or even to look inside of it (vs. 3).

Evidently, the heavenly worshippers, especially John, were concerned that no one was able to open the seals and look in the book. That is why John wept bitterly when no one was found who could open it.

Why were John and the others so concerned that no one was able to open the book? If the book is the title deed to the universe, then perhaps they recognized that earth's history was coming to a point Of culmination and that they did not know who would sovereignly control everything.

At that point one Of the elders around God's throne said, "Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root Of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof" (vs. 5). The elder informed John That Christ had already gained the right to Open The Book and Break Its Seals, so John did not need to continue weeping.

We know that the elder was speaking about none other than The Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Gen. 49:8-10; Isa. 11:1). In Revelation 5:6-14, we learn more about The Lord Jesus and what He do.

John then saw the Lord Jesus Christ standing in the throne room during the four living creatures ("beasts") and twenty-four elders. The Fact That He is standing shows His Victory Over Death and His Readiness To Take The Book. living creatures are probably angel (cf. Ezek. 10:20), and The Twenty-Foy Elders likely Represent The Redeemed Of The Church.

Revelation 5:6 describes Jesus "a Lamb as it had been slain." {This description brings to mind Jesus' work as the Passover Lamb who was sacrificed for us. (Isa. 53:7; John 1:29)}Q2 When John saw the Lord Jesus, He Could Tell He Had Been Slain because He Still Bore The Marks Of His crucifixion.

Interestingly, John first described Jesus as A Lion, and now he describes Him As A Lamb. Perhaps the analogy to A Lamb Refers To His First Coming In Meekness And His Role As A Lion To His Second Coming In Power.

John wrote that The Lord Jesus Had Seven Horns And Seven Eyes. Animals use Their Horns To Exert Strength And Power, so the horns probably Represent Jesus' Authority And Power. The seven eyes are described As Being The Seven "Spirits Of God" that He had sent out into every part of the earth. This phrase, also used in Revelation 4:5, Probably Points To The Holy Spirit In His Sevenfold Character (cf. Isa. 11:2) or to the Holy Spirit as pictured in The Lampstand with Seven Lamps (Zech. 4:1-10). The Number Seven represents Perfection, showing The Spirit's Perfection.

{Here we have The Triune God in His full display. God the Father is seated on the throne with the book in His right hand. God the Son is standing during this scene as the Lamb who was slain for Our sins. God the Holy Spirit is represented through the seven eyes of the Lamb.}Q3 No wonder the worshippers were overawed by the scene! The Lamb's triumph (Rev. 5:7). This section concludes with Jesus' triumphal act Of receiving the book from the hand of God the Father. The action shows that the Lord Jesus is indeed worthy to take the book and open its seals. {As we will see in verse 9, His work Of redemption on the cross is the reason He is worthy to do this.)Q4 He is the Creator and Owner Of the universe, and He will direct the course of the events that are described in the book Of Revelation.

 

THE WORSHIP AROUND THE THRONE

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.

9 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.

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.

12 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.

 

The worshippers—beasts and elders (Rev. 5:8).

Revelation 5:8-14 describes Three Groups Of Worshippers and their acclamation Of praise to the Lamb.

In verses 8-10, we find the first group of worshippers and their song of praise. When Jesus Christ had taken the book, showing His authority and ownership, The Four Living Creatures ("beasts") and The Twenty-Four Elders fell before Him. They had in their hands harps and "golden vials full of odours," meaning golden bowls full Of incense.

The Harp Was Used in Old Testament times To Accompany Vocal Praise To God (cf. I Chr. 25:6) and, sometimes, prophetic statements (cf. I Sam. 10:5). Perhaps this dual purpose is in view here as the worship- pers praise God and note the fulfillment Of prophecies.

{Revelation 5:8 states that The Bowls Of Incense are The Prayers Of The Saints. These prayers, wafting up to God like incense, may be the prayers believers have prayed through the ages concerning the culmination Of God's redemptive plan. }Q5

 

Their worship (Rev. 5:9-10).

The Elders Sang a new song Of worship to the Lamb. (The worship song uses the word "us," so likely The Elders, not the creatures, are the ones who sing this song since the elders, not angels, are The Ones Who Were Redeemed.) Their song highlighted three aspects Of Christ's life and work.

{The First aspect is His worthiness. "Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals there- of" (vs. 9).

The Second is His world- wide redemption. "For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out Of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation."

The Third is His elevation Of believers. "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth"(vs10 )} Q6

 

The worshippers—angels (Rev. 5:11

Accompanying The Creatures And Elders Is A Second Group Of Worshippers—An Innumerable Host Of Angels. {The phrase "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" is not meant to be a mathematical equation; rather, it is meant to convey a number beyond calculation (cf. Heb. 12:22). }Q7

 

Their worship (Rev. 5:12).

The angels then offer their Praise To The Lord. They speak "with a loud voice" because of the majesty of the Lamb. Like the worshippers in verses 9 and 10, they highlight the Lamb's worthiness and crucifixion and exclaim what He is Worthy Of Receiving: Power, Riches, Wisdom, Strength, Honor, Glory, And Blessing. This Sevenfold Ascription Of praise Is A Good Model For Us to follow as we worship the Lord.

 

The worshippers—every creature (Rev. 5:13a).

The worship scene reaches a crescendo as "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" join the throng around the throne. {In essence, this description says that everyone and everything in the universe will join in praising the Lamb.}Q8 Apparently, even the land and sea animals will participate in this worship.

 

Their worship (Rev. 5:13b-14).

In this grand finale of praise, all Living Beings, Which Includes All Of Us, offer to the Lamb Blessing, Honor, Glory, And Power. This group adds a new thought in their worship—the eternal nature Of the worship Of Christ. Our worship of the Saviour will not be an occasional experience, But We Gather Around His Throne Through All  Eternity to Worship The Lamb Who Redeemed Us.

The worship scene concludes as the four living creatures bow and say "amen" and the elders fall down to worship the Lamb. John closes this section with a clear expression Of the eternality Of Christ. He is the one who lives forever and ever. {Our worship of Christ will go on for all eternity because Jesus Christ will live forever.}Q9

We have looked at the different parts Of this great chapter but let us step back now to see some Of the lessons about worship.

First, true worship is about the Lord Himself, not about us. Some worship today tries to bring in human elements and focuses too much on what we do or what benefits we may gain. Revelation 5 shows that Jesus Christ is the sole object of worship. All we can do is fall before Him.

Second, true worship is about giving, not getting. Sometimes we hear people say, "l did not get much out of the service this morning." Getting is not the point Of worship. Rather, we come to give something—we give the Lord our heartfelt worship.

{Third, true worship places a great emphasis on Christ's death.}Q10 Look back through the words of Revelation 5 to see how many times John referred to Christ's death: "A Lamb as it had been slain" (vs. 6), "For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood" (vs. 9), and "worthy is the Lamb that was slain" (vs. 12). In our singing, praying, and preaching, let us exalt the crucified Christ.

Fourth, true worship ascribes to the Lamb what He deserves Power, Riches, Wisdom, Strength, Honor, Glory, And Blessing. In our prayers, our singing, and even in personal conversations, let us tell the Lord that He is indeed worthy Of all these ascriptions of praise.

He never tires to hear these words from our lips.

Fifth, this chapter gives us insight into music used in worship. True worship music extols the death of Christ, His marvelous attributes, and expressions Of His great worth. Music based On the expressions Of worship in this chapter and other chapters of the Bible leads us to the throne room Of God.

Sixth, true worship will be our eternal activity. We do not know all that we will do in heaven someday, but we do know that Our time will be filled With Regular And Unending Worship And Praise For The Lamb. Such heavenly worship is possible because Jesus Christ, the Lamb, lives forever.

The truths of Revelation 5 should lead us to more meaningful private worship times and more expressive corporate worship with our church family. —Don Anderson.

 

QUESTIONS

1. What might have been contained in the book with the seven seals?

2. Why did Jesus Christ appear in the form of a lamb in John's vision?

3. How do we see the three Persons Of the Triune God in this chapter?

4. Why is Jesus’ worthy to take the book and open its seals?

5. What is the significance Of the golden bowls?

6. What three aspects of Christ's work are highlighted in the elders' song?

7. How many angels are involved in worshipping the Lamb?

8. How extensive or widespread is the worship Of the Lamb?

9. How does Christ's eternal nature impact Our worship?

10. What aspect Of Christ's work should be the emphasis of our worship? —Don Anderson.

 

Preparing to Teach the Lesson

We are to be praising God and honoring Him every day of our lives, and we will continue to do so throughout all eternity. God does not need our praise, since He is perfect and has no needs, but we certainly have a deep-seated need within our souls to praise Him.

The most wonderful thing We Can Have In Our Lives is A Right Relationship With God. It is not possible for a human being to be fulfilled without this, for we would always have a "God-shaped void" in our inner being. Without the new birth through Jesus Christ, we are dead spiritually and incapable of knowing or responding to God, incapable of being rightly related to Him or to our fellow human beings. To be a born-again person, to have all our sins confessed to Him and forsaken, and to be yielded to His Holy Spirit puts us in the right place Spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

 

TODAY'S AIM

Facts: to gain insight into the heavenly worship of the Lamb.

Principle: to understand the implications of that heavenly worship for our worship here and now.

Application: to make it a daily practice to honor and praise God and the Lamb of God above all else.

 

INTRODUCING THE LESSON

In Revelation 4 God is declared worthy to receive glory and honor and power because He created everything for His own pleasure. When we see all that mankind has done with what God has given us, we might wonder what God's plan could possibly be for a creation that dishonors Him so continually.

 We are thankful for all those who honor Him and are walking with Him, but there are many people in this world who seem bent on being as wicked and sinful as possible. So, in chapter 5, we are doubly heartened to see that it will all be resolved to the point where God is given all praise and honor, and everything is made right. The plans and purposes Of God will be carried out to His complete satisfaction, and it will be to our great blessing.

 

DEVELOPING THE LESSON

1 . The Lamb is worthy (Rev. 5:6-7).

In the first five verses of this chapter, we see that a highly important book, or scroll, is in the hand of God on His throne. The question comes from an anonymous "strong angel" (vs. 2) asking who is worthy to open this very important document. No man is found worthy.

In our society, we hold in high regard people who accomplish great things. We give degrees to those who achieve much in our schools of higher education. We praise and honor those who contribute to humanity through' medicine, inventions, art, and science We applaud the selfless dedication missionaries and servants of humanity in difficult places. While it is all well and good that we do this, no human being is capable or worthy to initiate the things that are in the hand I God alone. The great mysteries Of death, the future, sin, righteousness, and judgment to come cannot be completely understood by any of us. less can we do anything about them.

 

2. The Lamb is worshipped (Rev  5:8-10).

 When the Lamb in John's vision proves worthy and takes the book, this triggers worship of the Lamb the four beasts and the elders. The Lamb was slain and redeemed the elders and a countless host from all humanity by His blood. He has elevated them to be kings and priests who will reign on the earth.

Worthy of note are the golden vials full of the prayers of the saints. Our "unanswered" prayers that we offered according to the will of God have not been forgotten. They have been presented before the throne of God and will yet be answered.

 

3. The great multitude (Rev. 5:11- 14).

The great multitude includes the representatives of every redeemed person (the elders), many angels, the four beasts, and everything in creation. Tens Of thousands Of angels speak our golden text: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing" (vs. 12). This sevenfold blessing, denoting full- ness and completeness, is in response to the Lamb's perfections—seven horns, which represent all power, and seven eyes, which represent all vision Or knowledge (vs. 6). We learn later that the scroll contains prophecies of God's judgment On sin. Right up to the end, we see God's justice, mercy, and forgiveness for all who trust Him.

We then see every creature in heaven and earth echoing this same praise and honor "for ever and ever" (Rev. 5:13). The four beasts say, "Amen" (vs. 14), which means "so be it." All those who thus bless God are being and will be blessed themselves. The appropriate answer Of our hearts to this revelation is praise and worship. Much Of worship is saying back to God, from our hearts, what we know to be true of Him. We thank Him for all that He is and does. We acknowledge Him in all His perfections and the glorious things we know to be true about Him. We will have all eternity to revel and bask in all His perfections. It will be fulfilling and exciting and rewarding our highest expectations.

 

ILLUSTRATING THE LESSON The Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, is worthy of our praise forever.

 

 

CONCLUDING THE LESSON

We have read the verses and tried to see what has been so carefully written for us, but we must admit it is still beyond us and our experience. However, if we continue to walk in the light Of this revelation and continue to praise God and the Lamb, we can come into a full- er understanding Of it. We know that for the child of God, through faith in Christ, all will Come out well—very well. Our prayers are presented at God's throne, and He will answer them. Nothing is a surprise to God. He has decided for everything from your salvation to your ultimate blessing. Bless and honor Him now while you have opportunity, because in so doing you anticipate the worship Of the Lamb in heaven.

 

ANTICIPATING THE NEXT LESSON

Next week we will conclude Our series on the deity of Christ by looking at another description of Him in Revelation, this time as the "Beginning and the End" (chap. 22). 165 —Brian D. Doud.

 

PRACTICAL POINTS

1. Jesus died on earth so that we can live in heaven with Him (Rev. 5:6).

2. Jesus is the only person with the power to redeem mankind (vss. 7-8).

3. The blood Of Jesus has the power to save people of every nation (vs. 9).

4. As believers, we become royalty through the grace of God, and we reign with Him (vs. 10).

5. All living creatures in heaven and earth must worship Jesus (vss. 11- 13).

6. Jesus is worthy of eternal praise (vs. 14). —Valante M. Grant.

 

RESEARCH AND DISCUSSION

1. How can Jesus be both the Good Shepherd and the Lamb Of God? Discuss.

 2. What does the number seven signify throughout the Bible? How does it relate to the description Of the Lamb (Rev. 5:6)?

3. How does Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection affect eternity for believers?

4. Compare and contrast the humble beginning Of Jesus' life on earth with the glory and majesty of His return.

5. What can we learn from the fact that the Lord God Almighty hum- bled Himself to the point of death for our sake (cf. Phil. 2:1-11)?

6. As believers, how can we honor the Lord with the praise that He is worthy of while we are still on earth? M. Grant.

 

ILLUSTRATED HIGH POINTS

Out of every nation (Rev. 5:9)

In his book Be Victorious (Cook), Warren W. Wiersbe repeated the story Of a man who happened to come to a missions’ conference. During the offering, he told the usher, '"l don't believe in missions!' 'Then take something out,' said the usher, 'It's for the heathen.'" Thankfully, many others have faith- fully gone out to reach the lost.

 

Shall reign on the earth (vs. 10)

 From time to time, some of the world's leading scientists review what they call the Doomsday Clock and try to calculate how close the world is to destruction due to climate change, the proliferation Of nuclear weapons arsenals, and other issues. Recently, they calculated that it was still resting on "100 seconds to midnight." Yes, there is doom in the future due to God's judgment, but Christians look forward to a future of blessings with Christ when He returns to set up His kingdom. Believers are confident that God is in control Of the world.

 

Ten thousand (vs. 11)

Some seventy years ago, we thought one thousand was a big number. Then it was one million, which later became ' one billion. Now Our government spends money in the trillions. Will our grandchildren be facing government spending Of one quadrillion (one thousand trillion)? In Bible times, the greatest numb was the "myriad" (translated as "ten thousand"). But even when that number was multiplied by itself, it did n« exhaust the number Of heavenly angels. There were still thousands more. John saw a seemingly infinite number praising the Lamb. —Ted Sim