He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
—Rev 5:7-14

~~~~~

Amen, the Song of Heaven
By Jennifer Kane

A scroll sealed tight, in mystery bound,
No voice on earth could make it sound.
The heavens searched, no one could see
A worthy hand to set it free.

Yet look to the Lamb, the Lion’s might,
With nail-scarred hand and piercing light,
He stepped forth bold, His voice a flame,
The scroll was His, Amen His name.

He takes the scroll, the heavens sing,
Creation bows before the King.
“Worthy,” echoes, the elders fall,
“Amen,” resounds through heaven’s hall.

With every seal, the truth unfolds,
The story is ancient, yet still untold.
The Lamb who died, alive, He reigns,
Amen proclaimed through endless plains.

The harps, the prayers, the golden bowls,
The saints redeemed, their ransomed souls,
Cry, “Blessing, honor, glory, power!”
To Him who reigns in the final hour.

Amen, the seal of truth divine,
In Him, all promises align.
The worthy Lamb, the scroll in hand,
Brings God’s great purpose to the land.

So sing, O heavens! So shout, O earth!
The Lamb has claimed His rightful worth.
Amen, Amen! Forevermore,
This Lamb is King whom we adore.

~~~~~

Scripture: Revelation 5:7-14

In this powerful passage, we witness the worship of Jesus Christ, the Lamb who is worthy to take the scroll and open its seals. This moment in heaven reveals the centrality of Christ in God’s plan for redemption and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. Here, we are invited to join the heavenly hosts in worship, recognizing that Jesus alone is worthy of honor, glory, and praise.

When Jesus takes the scroll, He demonstrates His authority to enact God’s will and finalize His redemptive plan. His worthiness stems from His sacrifice on the cross, which redeemed humanity from sin. This act fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53:5: “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

Through His death, Jesus purchased salvation for people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. This universal redemption underscores God’s desire for all to come to Him (2 Peter 3:9). As we consider His sacrifice, let us remember the depth of His love for us.

The prayers of believers ascend like incense before God, showing how precious they are to Him (Psalm 141:2). Whether prayers of supplication, intercession, or praise, they are a sweet aroma to the Lord. This reminds us that our prayers are not in vain. They are heard and treasured by God.

Even now, as we wait for the fullness of His kingdom, we echo the prayer Jesus taught us: “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Let us approach His throne with confidence, knowing our prayers are part of His eternal plan (Hebrews 4:16).

In the passage of Revelation 5:13 it captures a crescendo of praise, where all creation joins together to glorify God and the Lamb. The unity of this worship testifies to the deity of Christ and the eternal reign of God. Philippians 2:10-11 echoes this truth: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Our worship is not limited to words but is expressed through our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Let every thought, action, and word bring glory to the One who reigns forever.

Reflect on the worthiness of Jesus in your life. Is He at the center of your worship and priorities? Take time today to intentionally offer prayers of praise and intercession, knowing they are precious to God.

Share the message of redemption with someone who needs hope, emphasizing that Christ’s sacrifice is for all people.

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, You are worthy of all honor, glory, and power. Thank You for redeeming us by Your blood and making us a kingdom of priests to our God. Let our prayers and worship rise to You like sweet incense, pleasing in Your sight.

Teach us to live lives that glorify You in every thought, word, and deed. May we reflect Your love and grace to those around us, becoming vessels of Your peace and truth in a world that desperately needs hope. Strengthen our faith and guide us by Your Spirit as we proclaim Your redemption to all people.

Lord, may our worship never cease, and may we join the heavenly hosts in singing, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!” Fill our hearts with joy and our voices with praise as we eagerly await the day when Your kingdom is fully revealed. Until then, help us to walk faithfully, trusting in Your promises and living for Your glory. Amen.

December 20 2024