Read: Revelation 5
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain . . . (v. 12)
We understand that the word worship refers to the reverence and adoration we express for God. But the Old English word actually comes from a term meaning “worth-ship;” giving worth to something or someone. Only one who is worthy deserves the worship of another.
Revelation 5 brings to light just how worthy Jesus is of honor, glory, and worship. In John’s vision of the throne room of God, he saw a sealed scroll in God’s hand. But no one in all the universe was worthy to break the seals and unleash the purposes of God. John wept for this, until he was told that “the Lion of . . . Judah” could open the scroll. But what John saw was “a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain” (v. 6)—another prophetic image of Jesus, the sacrificial lamb for the sins of the world. At once, all heaven was filled with praise and worship for the Lamb, who was worthy because “you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (v. 9).
Jesus alone is worthy! He has conquered sin and death, and he has redeemed his people. Let’s join the chorus with “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!’” (v. 13). Amen! —Laura N. Sweet
As you pray, praise Jesus for his worthiness as our Savior.
About the Author
Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian schoolteacher from Midland, Michigan. She writes devotional material for both adults and children, and her work has appeared in more than a dozen publications.
