Tag: Worthy
The Sealed Scroll
Scripture reading for December 5: Revelation 5
“Then I saw in the right hand of Him Who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:1-5
John was in the Spirit in heaven beholding the activities around the throne of God and Jesus Christ. God, the Father, was holding in His right hand a scroll sealed with seven seals. This scroll represented the will of God and the coming events that must take place after this. A ‘mighty angel’ cried out concerning who was worthy to open this scroll and reveal its contents. A search was made, and no one was found among the angels, saints in heaven, saints on earth or those awaiting the judgment. John wept loudly because of the inability of anyone to open this scroll.
But one of the twenty-four elders who were also seated on twenty-four thrones spoke to John to comfort him in his weeping. He pointed out that the ‘Lion of the tribe of Judah’ and ‘Root of David’ had conquered and was there to open this amazing scroll and break its seven seals. As John looked towards the throne again, he beheld a Lamb standing, with the marks of being slain. (Revelation 5:6) This was Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, Who Alone had conquered sin, death, hell and the grave. The marks of sacrifice were still visible on His Glorified Body. He had endured the shame of mankind’s sins and paid the penalty of death in their place. He was a Lion of Judah, of the kingly line of David Who was worthy to reveal and oversee the will of His Father on earth as in heaven!
As you think about all the people who have ever lived and are alive now, do you know anyone who might be worthy to carry out God’s will on earth by sitting on heaven’s throne? Why do you think one of the twenty-four elders revealed to John the One Who alone was worthy?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for providing the ‘Lamb of God’ for the perfect and only true sacrifice for our sins. I am humbled to know that You have revealed this to me and all who believe through grace. I will sing with those around the throne “Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain!” Amen!
John and the “Upper-taker”
Scripture reading for December 23: Revelation 4-5
John saw a door open in heaven and heard a voice calling him to enter. He immediately saw the brilliant throne of heaven and One seated on it. This throne was encircled by an emerald rainbow and radiated flashes of lightning and rumblings of loud thunder. This throne was surrounded by twenty-four other thrones with elders seated dressed in white with golden crowns. There were four other living creatures that resembled animals with eyes all over them. These creatures worshiped the One on the throne constantly saying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, Who was, and is and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8)
The twenty-four elders responded to the worship of these strange creatures with worship of their own. They fell down before the throne and cast their golden crowns before the Lord and said: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.” (Revelation 4:11) The worship of these elders was focused on God as creator of all things. Everything that has life draws it’s life from God. He is the source of life. Because of His will and pleasure we have our being. Many in our culture deny God as Creator and feel that their existence is not connected to anything but time and chance.
John saw a scroll in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. A mighty angel spoke out: “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” (Revelation 5:2) No one was found and John began to weep profusely. One of the elders spoke up and told John to calm down because the Lion of the tribe of Judah had triumphed. He would open the scroll!
When John looked, this Lion was none other than a Lamb Who had the marks of being slain. He also had seven horns and seven eyes, speaking of complete authority and wisdom! The Lamb took the scroll from the One seated on the throne and the elders fell down before the Lamb and began to worship with a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased men for God 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.” Revelation 5:9-10
As John looked again and he saw multitudes of angels worshiping the Lamb and then he heard every creature in heaven and earth and under the earth and on the sea singing praises to the One on the throne and to the Lamb! The Lion Who was also a Lamb, Jesus Christ, is the focus of all heaven and earth!
Worthy is the Lamb!
Scripture reading for December 6th: Revelation 5, Psalm 93, Proverbs 26
Revelation 5: 6-10 “And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And He went and took the scroll from the right hand of Him Who was seated on the throne. 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. 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 You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
John’s attention was focused on a scroll in the hand of the One on the throne. It was sealed with seven seals and a mighty angel asked a question: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” (Revelation 5:2) John began to weep loudly as he understood that there was no one in heaven or earth who could open it or look in it. But an elder spoke to John, calming his fears with the announcement that “The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David had conquered.” (Revelation 5:5) At this point, John saw the Lamb, bearing marks of crucifixion, standing between the throne and the living creatures and elders. The Lamb took the scroll and all around the throne fell down in worship. The elders offered bows full of incense, the prayers of believers and sang a new song of worship to the Lamb, worthy to open the scroll.
Psalm 93:1-2 “The Lord reigns; He is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; He has put on strength as His belt. Yes, the world is established from of old; You are from everlasting.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world, I worship You as alone worthy of all honor, glory and praise! You are worthy to open the scroll and take possession of the kingdom prepared for You before the world began. I am thankful to be part of those You ransomed. As a priest and part of Your eternal kingdom, use me today to pray for those needing salvation and adoption into Your family.
Proverbs 26:1 “Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.”
Living worthy of the Gospel
Scripture reading for June 15th: Philippians 1, Psalm 119, Proverbs 26
Philippians 1:27-30 “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the Gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.”
Paul wrote a positive and encouraging letter to the Church at Philippi. He stated upfront, that God had begun a good work in them and would see it through to the Day of Christ. (1:6) Paul was in jail in Rome and faced uncertainty concerning his ultimate fate at the hands of the Romans. He knew that he could very well be executed and shared his heart about this possibility. But his pastoral concern was for the church. He wanted them to continue in the faith and stay steadfast, even as this would result in suffering just as he was. They were to have no fear of those afflicting them. This peace of God on their lives would bring conviction on their tormentors. God was at work and all who trust in Him will ultimately be kept safe!
Psalm 119:75-77 “I know, O Lord, that Your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. Let Your steadfast love comfort me according to Your promise to Your servant. Let Your mercy come to me, that I may live; for Your law is my delight.”
Prayer: Father God, You are faithful in all our afflictions, working all things for our good and salvation. Help me to live in Your peace in today’s afflictions and to pray for those who are tormenting me. Keep me from fear, evil speech, gossip, or judging others. Use my lips to declare Your love and Truth to those You send me to. My desire is to live a life worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, my Lord.
Proverbs 26:20 “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.”
Worship of the Worthy One
Scripture reading for December 7th: Nehemiah 1-3, Revelation 5
Revelation 5:6-10 “And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And He went and took the scroll from the right hand of Him Who was seated on the throne. 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. 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 You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
John beheld the throne of God and One seated there holding a scroll sealed with seven seals. John began to weep because there was no one to open the scroll when a mighty angel proclaimed that the Lion of the tribe of Judah was worthy! John looked to see Him, and he beheld a Lamb, standing as if He had been slain! This ‘Lamb” had seven horns and seven eyes and He took the scroll. As He did, all the elders and living creatures around the throne fell down to worship in a new song this Worthy One. He was ‘worthy’ because He had been slain and His blood was the ransom for all the people of God. He ransomed them that they might have the kingdom of God and reign with Him on the earth! This new song brought worship from every creature in every place in the universe! Worthy is the Lamb to rule!
Revelation 5:13 “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!”
Prayer: Father God, Worthy are You and the Lamb, our Lord Jesus Christ, to receive all worship, honor, glory and praise now and forever and ever! You bought us with Your own Son’s blood and by grace and mercy gave us eternal life as priests and kings in Your eternal kingdom. You answer our prayers and grant us power and favor to witness to the lost of Your eternal plan of salvation and build Your church! Amen!
Nehemiah 1:11, 2:8 “O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who delight to fear Your Name, and give success to Your servant today and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” . . .’And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.”
The Worthy Lamb!
Scripture reading for December 8th: Revelation 5
Key Scriptures: Revelation 5:6-9 “And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And He went and took the scroll from the right hand of Him Who was seated on the throne. 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. 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 You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.””
John had been caught up into heaven’s open door by the Spirit and beheld the things which were to come. In this vision, John saw in the right hand of the One on the throne, a scroll that was sealed with seven seals. An angel asked who was worthy to open the scroll, and no one was found in heaven or on earth or under the earth to open the scroll. John began to weep loudly when one of the twenty-four elders spoke to him, telling him not to weep, because the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” had conquered and was worthy and able. Then John beheld a Lamb standing with the marks of crucifixion, Who went and took the scroll from the One seated on the throne. At this all around the throne and in heaven and on earth began to sing a new song to the Worthy Lamb!
Revelation 5:11-12 “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, 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!”
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, thank You for sending Your Son as the Lamb of God Who was slain for my sins and the sins of the whole world! He alone is Worthy to inherit all things, taking the title deed to the universe and its wealth! I freely choose to worship Him with the hosts around the throne in heaven, on earth and under the earth! Glory to the Lamb!
Revelation 5:13-14 “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!”
Heaven’s open door!
Scripture reading for December 7th: Revelation 4
Key Scriptures: Revelation 4:1-4 “After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first Voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with One seated on the throne. And He Who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments with golden crowns on their heads.”
After writing down the seven messages of the things that are, John saw an open door leading to heaven. Jesus Christ spoke to him again, with an invitation to “come up here” and see the things to come. John was instantaneously translated through the open door by the Spirit of God and was shown the throne room of heaven and the beauty of the One seated there. All John could do was describe the color and glory as like that of precious stones and gems. He also described the four living creatures who worshiped there, saying “Holy, Holy, Holy!” Around the throne were also other thrones–twenty-four seated with that many elders. These elders would leave their thrones to fall prostrate and worship the One on the glorious throne, casting their crowns before Him! Oh the glory of His Presence! Worthy! Worthy! Worthy!
Revelation 4:8 “And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”
Faith confession and prayer: Father, thank You for opening the door of heaven for me and all who believe in Your Son Jesus Christ. What an awesome privilege to worship You here on earth and to anticipate joining the hosts of heaven in worship and adoration one day in a glorified body like Yours! Use me here on earth to share this Good News of Your love for mankind through Your Son, the Worthy One!
Revelation 4:9-10 “And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him Who is seated on the throne, Who lives forever and ever, the twenty four elders fall down before Him Who is seated on the throne and worship Him Who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You have created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.””
Worship the Worthy One!
Scripture reading for December 7th: Nehemiah 1-3, Revelation 5
Key Scriptures: Revelation 5:11-13 “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, 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!” 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!”
Worship in heaven is awesome to behold and enter into. John was shown the throne room of heaven and the activity going on there. There was a seven-sealed scroll in the right hand of God. The question went out as to who was worthy to open the scroll and break the seals. No one in heaven or on earth was able to open the scroll or look in it. Then one of the elders spoke, “Behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals.” As John looked, he saw “a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain,” the Lord Jesus Christ alone was worthy! Worship flowed as Christ Jesus took the scroll!
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, You alone are worthy to receive all my worship, allegiance, and service, now and forever and ever! You are the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and the Lamb slain for my sins and the sins of the world.
Nehemiah 1:5-6 “And I said, “Oh Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God Who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those Who love Him and keep His commandments, let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, to hear the prayer of Your servant that I now pray before You day and night for the people of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against You. Even I and my father’s house have sinned.”
Praise the Lamb forever!
Scripture reading for December 5th: Revelation 5, Psalm 113-14, Proverbs 27
Key Scriptures: Revelation 5:13-14 “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!” And the four living creatures said “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.”
As John is viewing the throne of God and activities around it, He saw a”Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, . .” This “Lamb” took the scroll which no one could open and a chorus broke open of the twenty-four elders as they sang a new song of worship to the Lamb. Then all of heaven and earth joined in resounding choruses of praise to Lamb Who had been slain to purchase people for God from every tribe and nation. Hallelujah now and forever!
Faith Confession: I am thankful for Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who purchased me from bondage to sin and made me a priest and part of His glorious kingdom. Worthy is the Lamb to receive all praise and worship!
Psalm 113:2-3 “Blessed be the Name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the Name of the Lord is to be praised!”
Worthy of suffering!
Scripture reading for May 10th: 2nd Kings 17-19, Acts 5
Key Scriptures: Acts 5:40-42 “. . .They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the Name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”
The disciples were threatened with death and flogged by the Jewish leaders for preaching and healing in the Name of Jesus. They were ordered not to preach in Christ’s Name again. However, the disciples were not afraid of men but feared God. They counted the suffering for Christ as a badge of honor!
2nd Kings 19:19 “Now O Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that You alone, O Lord, are God.” (King Hezekiah’s prayer at the threats of the King of Assyria.)
Prayer: Lord, thank You for these examples of the boldness and zeal of the early disciples and godly kings of Israel. May we honor You with boldness in the face of suffering. Amen.