3-31-2019 The Look of Worship Revelation 5:8-14
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Introduction:
Anyone who enjoys nature and who has hiked/mountain biked in the mountains has probably experienced this: the moment physical exhaustion sets in. Stuck in the trees, with little to see, it is easy to forget that we have a destination. When the mountain’s peak is obscured in the valley, it is sometimes difficult to find any energy to press on. That is what makes those glimpses of the top so invigorating. Those moments when the trees break and we catch sight of our destination, the top of the peak, these glimpses are better than a shot of espresso! In the moments we are tempted to throw in the towel on our journey of faith, we can find new strength in worship. Just a moment in God’s presence—glimpsing his glory through song, word, and sacrament—can transform our perspective, allowing us to persevere.
Worship unlocks transformative power, enabling supernatural perseverance, and this is exactly how I feel as I read Revelation chapters 4 &5
Transition:
This morning we finish up chapter 5 just after that moment the Lion/slaughtered Lamb takes the scroll from the hand of God in 5:7, the focus now erupts into heavenly worship
Scripture Reading:
8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
13 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!”
14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
The falling down of the elders both in verse 8 and verse 14 make this a separate unit from the rest—it is a unit of pure, heavenly (heavenly in the truest sense of the word) worship. The Lamb’s worthiness, demonstrated at the cross, results in his receiving worship alongside the Father. In fact, the unity of YHWH and the Lamb continues throughout the rest of this book. This section is a fitting conclusion to the entire throne-room vision of and prepares us for the horrific judgment to come. This worship scene connects the situation of the churches in and the execution of God’s plan beginning in . The Lamb who was slain will soon lead the way in defeating God’s enemies once and for all.
Transition:
So similar to the scene in chapter 4, here in chapter 5 we are joining in on a more explosive worship service. Let’s join in on:
I. The living creatures and the elders worship the Lamb (vv.8–10)
I. The living creatures and the elders worship the Lamb (vv.8–10)
The response to Jesus taking the scroll from the Father is the living creatures and the elders falling down in worship to the Lamb
And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
“Each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.”
5:8
Each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.”
When the Lamb takes the scroll (5:7), the living creatures and the elders fall down before Him —I’ve mentioned before that in this kind of display of Glory, I wonder if the falling down part is involuntary—too much of God’s glory forces us down. The Greek grammar suggests that only the elders hold the harps and the bowls, which is then a fitting responsibility in light of their priestly function as representatives of God’s people and their prayers.
It is interesting how John uses the word ‘bowl’ here The term “bowl” (φιάλη phialē) occurs 12 times in Revelation and, except for here, always in connection with God’s wrath —the bowl judgements (15:7; 16:1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 12, 17; 17:1; 21:9). Here in chapter 5, these shallow bowls are filled with incense, symbolizing the prayers of God’s people. From this we might infer that God’s judgments to follow are, at least in part, a response to the prayers of his people.
It is also interesting how Stringed instruments such as harps were often used to accompany songs of praise — and with a new song.
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,
“And they sang a new song”
“And they sang a new song”
Throughout the Scriptures, God’s people sing a new song when God does mighty and marvelous things. The term “new” (kainos) is used nine times in Revelation, all suggesting eschatological newness: a new name (2:17; 3:12), a new song (5:9; 14:3), a new heaven and a new earth (21:1 [2x]), the new Jerusalem (3:12; 21:2), and the new creation (21:5). Here the song celebrates the new things God is doing in Christ, the new things he promised in connection with his servant in . The songs of 14:3 and 15:3–4 are sung by God’s people before the throne in celebration of God’s mighty acts.
“And they sang a new song” Throughout the Scriptures, God’s people sing a new song when God does mighty and marvelous things (e.g., ; ; ). The term “new” (kainos) is used nine times in Revelation, all suggesting eschatological newness: a new name (2:17; 3:12), a new song (5:9; 14:3), a new heaven and a new earth (21:1 [2x]), the new Jerusalem (3:12; 21:2), and the new creation (21:5). Here the song celebrates the new things God is doing in Christ, the new things he promised in connection with his servant in . The songs of 14:3 and 15:3–4 are sung by God’s people before the throne in celebration of God’s mighty acts.
It is extremely interesting how this is a NEW song! Sometimes we conservatives get the idea that the older hymns are always better. And I think it is very true that a bit of the older hymns have very rich lyrics that are deep and profound. But to reject new/modern hymns simply because they are new is clearly wrong. YHWH enjoys new songs! Our Creator wants us to create new songs.
It is declared to be a new song-- a song which could not have been sung prior to His redemptive act,
“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation”
a song over and beyond an ascription of praise to His person and a recognition of His attributes. Here He is declared to have the right to rule, not simply in virtue of His deity but in His victory over sin and death in His act of supreme redemption.
This new song contains three parts:
the Lamb’s worthiness (v. 9b)
the Lamb’s work (v. 9c)
and the Lamb’s followers (v. 10)
Just as the Father was worshiped as the worthy Creator in chapter 4, so now the Lamb is worshiped as the worthy Redeemer. He can take the scroll and open its seals (5:2, 7, 9), pointing to his central role not only as Redeemer but also as Judge (cf. ; ). The Lamb’s worthiness results from his sacrificial death, an image likely drawn from the slaughtered lamb of : “he was led like a lamb to the slaughter.” Using the language of the marketplace (agora), we are told that Jesus “purchased” (agorazō), or redeemed, a multicultural people for God through his willing sacrifice (cf. ; ; ).
It may be easy right now to get the impression that worship is when we sing to God. But that is simply not true! there are many other elements to worship!
Worship is defined as the expression of reverence and adoration for God. This can take many forms!
Worship is the act of magnifying God. Enlarging our vision of him. As we draw nearer, he seems larger - Max Lucado
Worship can be in fellowship! magnifying God along with other believers! Worship can be silent closet prayers! Worship is even magnifying God through your giving offerings regularly. Giving regularly is religiously putting money where your mouth is! it is monetarily investing in your family of Faith. Giving regularly is humble obedience which glorifies our Lord.
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
5:10
“You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth”
“You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth”
Last, the song celebrates the implications of the Lamb’s work for his followers.
The promise of that Israel would be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation is now fulfilled in the church. God’s people, drawn from all nations, now constitute a kingdom and priests
[[]], spoken to Jewish and Gentile Christians]]. As a kingdom, we are citizens now and will one day reign with Christ.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
As priests, we enjoy special access to God and the privileges and responsibilities of serving him through worship and witness [[]].
As priests, we enjoy special access to God and the privileges and responsibilities of serving him through worship and witness [[]].
you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Illustration:
Transition:
So the living creatures and the elders worship the Lamb, now let’s join:
II. All the angelic creatures worship the Lamb (vv.11–12)
II. All the angelic creatures worship the Lamb (vv.11–12)
The worship that had begun with the four living beings and twenty-four elders here spreads to all of heaven with all of the angels.
And I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and of the living creatures and of the elders, and their number was ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands times thousands,
“the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands” This might be a reference to where Daniel saw a similar vision of the “Ancient of Days” on His throne.
A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.
But it makes sense since both Daniel & John are seeing into the same throne room of the Most High God.
saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
“the Lamb that was slain to receive power”
“Was slain” is a PERFECT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE , which implies “slain in the past” with the marks of the slaying remaining visible. When we see Jesus, I believe He will still have the marks of the crucifixion. They have become His permanent badge of honor! The concept of the cross is implicit and central throughout the Revelation of Jesus (cf. 1:5; 5:12; 7:14; 12:11; 13:8; 14:4; 15:3; 19:7; 21:9, 23 and 22:3). The concept of a purchased redemption is seen throughout the whole Bible and explained further in the NT as the truth.
In this verse seven attributes are given unto this Lion Lamb:
1) power
2) riches
3) wisdom
4) might
5) honor
6) glory, and
7) blessing
These seven attributes are what we ought to adore in our Savior as we worship HIM!
Illustration:
Transition:
If that wasn’t enough to get you to join in, now we will join All creation in blessing the Father and the Son.
III. All of creation worships God and the Lamb (vv.13–14)
III. All of creation worships God and the Lamb (vv.13–14)
To this mighty chorus in heaven is added the praise of every creature on earth and under the earth and in the sea. John hears them all joining in blessing and praise to the One on the throne and to 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!”
Rev
This sounds familiar! Everything created, both in heaven and in earth, will one day worship God and his Son [[]]
They sang both to the one sitting on the throne as well as to the Lamb—both God and his Son.
This sounds familiar! Everything created, both in heaven and in earth, will one day worship God and his Son [[]]
Climaxing the scene of worship, the four living creatures pronounce their amen, and the twenty-four elders once again fall down and worship.
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
13 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!”
Notice here, They sang both to the one sitting on the throne as well as to the Lamb—both God and his Son. We might do well in blessing the Father as well as the Son in our worship.
In response to the song of creation, and climaxing this scene of worship, the four living beings pronounce, “Amen!” in agreement.
And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
ἀμήν = true/truly/ I agree! And they fell down again!
Illustration:
The second of four doxologies in Revelation (chapter 1:5–6; 5:13; 7:12; 19:1–2) appropriately concludes the great throne-room vision of .
Transition:
So What?
So What?
For many Christians heaven is an unreal place. Even Christians tend to be occupied too much with the things of this present world, which can be seen and touched and felt. Too often goals in life have little to do with eternity’s values. Though to the ordinary Christian, the privilege of such a grand vision of heaven just as was given the Apostle John is seldom granted, what he saw, and what others, like Isaiah, Daniel, or even Ezekiel have seen has been plainly written in the Word of God, and we can see through their eyes the glorious picture of the majesty which surrounds our Lord in heaven. By comparison to the heavenly scene, earth is revealed to be temporary and transitory, and its glory and glitter are tarnished and temporary. As far as the heavens are above the earth, so far is our vision of the glory of heaven that easily transcends what the natural eye can see in this world and yearns for.
Human Experience proves this!: As creatures, we are designed to be dazzled! Every one of us can share an experience of being touched deeply when witnessing the beauty of a sunset. Even people who do not regularly watch sports can be wowed when watching a LeBron James slamdunk. And almost everyone can point to a time when a live musical performance brought them to their feet in ovation. We all know what it means to sit back and say, “Wow!” All of these little bedazzlements are meant to be signposts to the ultimate, awe-inspiring experience: worshiping the God of creation.
Human Experience: As creatures, we are designed to be dazzled! Every one of us can share an experience of being touched deeply when witnessing the beauty of a sunset. Even people who do not regularly watch sports can be wowed when watching a LeBron James slamdunk. And almost everyone can point to a time when a live musical performance brought them to their feet in ovation. We all know what it means to sit back and say, “Wow!” All of these little bedazzlements are meant to be signposts to the ultimate, awe-inspiring experience: worshiping the God of creation.
The beauty and wonder of the scene in chapters 4- 5 are in startling contrast to the darkness of divine judgment portrayed as falling upon the earth in the tribulation and Great Tribulation as revealed in the chapters which follow. The scenes of earth are always dark in comparison to the glory of heaven. The Christian engulfed by temptation, persecution, and trial can take heart in the fact that our Lord also suffered and was tried, and that He in triumph ascended on high having completed His earthly work. Those who follow in His steps while in the world may endure many afflictions, but they are assured that they will share with the Lord His glory and His grace throughout all eternity.
With the introduction provided in chapters 4 and 5 which give us the heavenly side of the picture, the narrative in John’s vision now turns to the earth in chapter 6. The same Lord and Redeemer who is the object of worship and praise on the part of the saints is also the righteous Judge of the wicked earth, and the One by whose authority the terrible events of the tribulation will unfold. In the light of these future events, how important is the decision that faces every one of us here this morning. Today is the day of salvation as the Scriptures make clear. There will be a day that is too late. Those who hear and respond to the divine invitation have the promise of blessing throughout eternity and deliverance from the time of judgment which will fall upon those who neglect to enter into the safety of salvation in their day of opportunity.
Revelation puts earth and heaven in proper perspective, the scenes of earth ending in the tragic denouement of the great tribulation, and the scenes of heaven fulfilled both in the millennial glory and in the eternal state. The true occupation of the child of God should be one of praise and worship of the God of glory while awaiting the fulfillment of His prophetic Word.
Revelation puts earth and heaven in proper perspective, the scenes of earth ending in the tragic denouement of the great tribulation, and the scenes of heaven fulfilled both in the millennial glory and in the eternal state. The true occupation of the child of God should be one of praise and worship of the God of glory while awaiting the fulfillment of His prophetic Word.
The Lamb receives worship for dying on the cross and redeeming a multicultural people for God.
The Lamb receives worship for making God’s people to be a kingdom and priests and empowering them to reign on the earth.
The angels will lead all of creation to worship God and the Lamb together forever and ever.
Revelation insists that behind all history is the God who revealed himself supremely in Jesus Christ. Everything he does is to redeem men from sin and its results. That fact must determine Christians’ attitudes toward all Jesus did and commanded. He is more than a nice friend, whose ideas can be taken or left alone. He is our Emperor. His commands to us are absolute law.
Conclusion:
i.
YHWH and the Lamb are worthy of worship especially for devising and accomplishing the redemptive plan. There is nothing grander than God’s plan of redemption. It is so grand and glorious that it will be the object of praise and worship in eternity. And eternity itself will not be sufficient to offer the praise that is due to the Christ who purchased it.
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iii.
Illustration:
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