Communion Sunday: Worthy Is The Lamb

Revelation 5:8–14 (CSB)

8 When he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slaughtered, and you purchased people for God by your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth. 11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands. 12 They said with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing! 13 I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say, Blessing and honor and glory and power be to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever! 14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Worthy is the Lamb: Reflections on Redemption and Worship

In the grand tapestry of faith, few threads shine as brightly as the concept of worthiness. As we ponder the depths of our spiritual journey, we're drawn to a profound truth: there is One who stands above all, whose worthiness surpasses our understanding. This One is Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Imagine, if you will, a scene from heaven itself. The book of Revelation paints a vivid picture of God's throne room, where a scroll sealed with seven seals captures the attention of all present. A mighty angel cries out, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" The weight of this moment is palpable. No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth is found worthy to open the scroll or even look inside it.

In this moment of seeming hopelessness, a voice rings out: "Do not weep. Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered so that he is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." And there, standing in the midst of the throne, is a Lamb looking as if it had been slain.

This powerful imagery from Revelation 5 reminds us of a fundamental truth: only Jesus Christ is truly worthy. Worthy of power. Worthy of worship. Worthy to purchase a people for God from every language, tribe, and nation.

But what makes Him worthy? The answer lies in His sacrifice. As we reflect on 1 Peter 1:18-19, we're reminded that we were redeemed "not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb."

Our redemption came at a great cost. Before Christ, our lives were marked by futility and emptiness. Sin had left us without purpose and without hope. But Jesus delivered us from this emptiness into His profound grace. No earthly treasure could buy our salvation. The most valuable things on earth are powerless to redeem us. It is only through the precious blood of Christ that we find redemption.

This truth should stir our hearts to worship. Just as the heavenly beings in Revelation sang a new song, proclaiming, "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals because you were slaughtered, and you purchased people for God by your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation," so too should we lift our voices in praise.

The worthiness of Christ is not just a lofty theological concept. It has profound implications for our daily lives. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. We have a future worth living for, all because of His sacrifice and resurrection.

As we contemplate the worthiness of Christ, we're reminded of His many names and attributes. He is the Wonderful Counselor who guides us through life's hills and valleys. He is the Mighty God, harnessing infinite power to give strength to the finite. He is the Everlasting Father, our faithful and forever protector and provider. He is the Prince of Peace, calming the storms in our souls and leading us to still waters.

He is the Man of Sorrows, carrying our shame, pain, guilt, and past. He is the Lion of Judah, fighting for us battles we could never win on our own. He is the power of God, the wisdom of God, the glory of God, and the gift of God. He is the Son of God, the Ancient of Days, with no beginning and no end.

In light of His worthiness, how should we respond? The answer lies in worship and gratitude. We're called to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. We're invited to give thanks to Him and bless His name. Why? Because the Lord is good, and His faithful love endures forever. His faithfulness extends through all generations.

This call to gratitude isn't just for the big moments in life. It's for every breath, every step, every single moment of every single day. God's goodness is available to us from the moment we wake to the moment we rest. His love is deeper than the oceans and wider than all the grief, pain, and worry that may surround us.

As we reflect on God's goodness, we're reminded that it knows no limits. Like the prodigal son returning home, Jesus is running after each of us with outstretched arms. His goodness and mercy are available right now, inviting us to walk in His freedom and stand firm in the knowledge that He is faithful, Father, and friend.

In our journey of faith, we're called to approach God with thanksgiving and praise, blessing His name because we know He is good. Regardless of our circumstances or our own unfaithfulness, God remains faithful. From the moment we take our first breath to our final days on earth, His faithfulness endures.

As we conclude these reflections, let's remember the words of Psalm 100:4-5: "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

May we live in such a way that reflects God's goodness, holiness, and righteousness. May our lives be a testament to the worthiness of the Lamb who was slain. And may we, with every breath, sing of the goodness of God.

In a world that often feels broken and dark, we have this assurance: the Light will not be stopped. A new creation is coming. The glory of the Lord will be the light within our midst. And at the center of it all stands the Lamb who is worthy – worthy of all blessing, honor, and glory.

Let us therefore live with hearts full of gratitude, voices lifted in praise, and lives dedicated to proclaiming the worthiness of Christ. For He alone is worthy, and in Him, we find our purpose, our hope, and our eternal joy.

Engage the Truth

  1. Jesus Christ is the only one worthy of our worship and praise.
  2. Our redemption was purchased by the precious blood of Christ, not by earthly treasures.
  3. God's goodness and faithfulness endure forever, through all generations.
  4. Gratitude and thanksgiving should be central to our worship and daily lives.

Reflect and Respond

  1. The sermon emphasized that Jesus is the only one worthy. What specific attributes or actions of Jesus make Him uniquely worthy of our worship?
  2. Reflect on 1 Peter 1:18-19. How does understanding the price of our redemption (Christ's blood) impact your daily life and choices?
  3. The pastor mentioned that before Christ, our lives were marked by futility and emptiness. Can you share how your life has changed since accepting Christ?
  4. Revelation 5 describes worship in God's throne room. How can we incorporate elements of this heavenly worship into our personal and corporate worship?
  5. The sermon highlighted God's goodness. Share a recent experience where you clearly saw God's goodness in your life.
  6. How does participating in the Lord's Supper help you remember and appreciate Christ's sacrifice?
  7. The pastor emphasized the importance of gratitude. What are some practical ways we can cultivate a more thankful attitude in our daily lives?

Live. Build. Move.

  1. Gratitude Journal: Start a daily practice of writing down 3-5 things you're thankful for, focusing on God's goodness in your life.
  2. Worship Playlist: Create a playlist of songs that declare the worthiness of Christ and listen to it throughout the week.
  3. Scripture Meditation: Spend time meditating on Revelation 5:1-14 this week, reflecting on the worship described and how it can inform your own worship.
  4. Acts of Service: Identify one way you can serve others this week as a response to God's goodness in your life.
  5. Sharing Your Story: Practice sharing your testimony of how Christ redeemed you from emptiness, preparing to share it with others when opportunities arise.
  6. Prayer Focus: In your daily prayers this week, intentionally include expressions of thanksgiving and praise for God's faithfulness and goodness.
  7. Community Reflection: Before your next small group meeting, ask each member to bring an object that represents God's goodness or faithfulness in their life to share with the group.