Heaven Help Our WorshipThe Worthiness of JesusRevelation 5:6-10

INTRODUCTION

Within the makeup of an organization- what are the characteristics of a person that make them

most important to that organization?

Iʼm not talking about intrinsic value- people are people - we are all humans - created in the

image of God; we share a degree of human equality and common dignity.

But within an organization- the Army - a football team - the White House - Any

Fortune 500 Company

- what makes some people of greater value to that organization than others?

- we have to say that is true, because there is always some sort of pecking order.

- while everyone is needed- the Vice President of a company is probably worth

more to the company bottom line figures than the data entry clerk

- The General has more authority and privilege than the private

- The President has more pull than the White House Chef

- The Head Coach has the right to yell the loudest at the game

What is it that could make a person worth more to their company - more to their organization?

Maybe Access?

- Though the Vice President of the U.S. is the next in line to become the Chief Executive of the country if something should happen to the President

- his access is not as great as that of the Presidentʼs Chief of Staff - who has continual, instant, and at-will access

- All in politics say that access is power and the person with the greatest access to the highest levels is worth a lot within the organization of the Executive Branch of our government

Maybe Attributes? - that is, certain qualities gained through experience- we all value certain attributes - we list them on our

resumes- we ask questions about strong points and weak points

during job interviews- we look for certain characteristics of an individual that

might bring greater value and worth to the company.

Maybe Abilities- the speed of the runner - the arm of the quarterback -

the bat speed of the batter - the agility of the basketball forward - all effect how valuable a particular player is or could be to a team.

Maybe Accomplishments- past actions, deeds - may point to great future actions

and future deeds - thus making a person valuable to a certain organization.

What makes a person valuable - what makes a person worth something to a greater organization?

Perhaps if you possessed all these qualities to a great degree- great access to power, great attributes - great abilities

and great accomplishments- you make yourself valuable

These are the very characteristics that make Jesus so very valuable.

How much is Jesus worth?- the estimation is inestimable

How valuable is Jesus Christ?- what gives him the right to judge the world?- what gives him the privilege to say He is the only way of

salvation?- What makes him more valuable than anything or anyone

else in all the world?

That is the question that Revelation 5:6-10 answers for us.- it shows us 4 qualities that make Him the most

worthy in all the universe- it demonstrates four characteristics that describe

His value compared to all else that exists

Recall what we are talking about in Revelation 4 & 5

Revelation 5 is the introduction of Jesus into the scene of heaven- and this scene of heaven is an introduction to judgment

This is a section of Revelation that reveals the rightful place of Jesus in exercising total authority over all creation in judgment and ultimately also in redemption.

Here is the introduction of Jesus into the scene of judgment and redemption - from the headquarters of all authority- chapter 4 shows the majestic authority and intense

exaltation that exists in heaven.

- Chapter 5 reveals the one who is most worthy out of all that exists in that most holy, majestic, authoritative and intense place.

Recall - we had seen God the Father - the Holy Spirit and an incredible description of some of the angelic begins that surrounded the central piece of furniture in heavenʼs headquarters - the throne

- but no Jesus

Even in chapter 5 - there is an awesome silence - and a grieving absence of Christ - until v 5

All of this is building the tension which will be resolved in the latter part of chapter 5- where is Christ in all of this divine exaltation and

majesty?- Who is it that can take the very plan of God for judgment

and redemption and implement it?

No one - in heaven, hell or earth- no one, except Christ

Remember- chapter 5 is built around a little phrase “And I saw” - it is

found 4x in this chapter and it reveals 3 special lessons about Jesus

- vv 1-5 - the uniqueness of Jesus- vv 6-10 - the worthiness of Jesus- vv 11-14 - the exaltedness of Jesus

So - we have been asking three questions of this passage:

1 - what makes Jesus undeniably unique? - we saw this in vv 1-5 last time2 - what makes Jesus uniquely worth? - here we will examine this in vv 6-103 - what makes Jesus universally exalted? - we will see this next time in vv 11-14

So

I. WHAT MAKES JESUS UNDENIABLY UNIQUE? vv 1-5?

1 - Godʼs plan v 12 - Creationʼs inability vv 2-43 - Jesusʼ Position - v 5

II. WHAT MAKES JESUS UNIQUELY WORTHY? vv 6-10

Here we will see the four qualities that make Jesus uniquely worthy - unlike anyone else in the entire universe.

1. Jesusʼ place makes him uniquely worthy v 6a

and I saw - marker for the 3rd part of chapter 5

between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders

- LIT reads - “in the midst of the throne and of the 4 living creatures and in the midst of the elders.”

- Recall the setting: 4:4 - around the throne - elders- 4:6 - in the midst of the throne and around the throne

- concentric circles around the throne- 1st circle out - the living creatures - yet

moving around the throne - a part of the place where the throne actually sits

- a second circle outside the throne circle - the 24 elders

- Note Jesusʼ place within all of this - in the midst of the throne (but not around it)

- adjacent to the throne - yet connected with the very spot of the throne - just inside the circle of the 4 living creatures

Where is Jesus at this very moment?

Revelation 3:21 (ESV)21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Access is everything - placement means power - access is power

H.R. Haldeman was the originator of the modern day Chief of Staff to the President of the U.S. - served Richard Nixon- never out of immediate touch with Nixon, night and day.- no paper crossed Nixonʼs desk without going through

Him

He had the greatest access and was one of the most important men in the White House.

It is a similar idea to what we see in heaven with Jesus - His location describes his access to the throne - the

authority of God - an dHis access demonstrates His power - and His power reveals His worthiness

- Jesus is in the midst of the throne- Note:Revelation 7:9–10 (ESV)A Great Multitude from Every Nation9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Revelation 7:17 (ESV)! 17! For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Revelation 22:1 (ESV)The River of Life

22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb

Not just anyone is able to sit or exist - in the midst of the throne

- this speaks of access - privilege - power - a place of authority - it is the nearest point to the majestic authority of God.

Jesusʼ place reveals how worthy He is - there is no one closer to the Father - no one who has

greater access to the Father - no one who has as much authority -

- with that kind of nearness, access and authority - that makes Jesus ultimately worthy.

That would be enough to ascribe ultimate worth to Jesus - his access and place alone - but there is more - not only the place of Jesus reveals His worthiness:

2. Jesus Person makes him uniquely worthy v 6b

here we speak of His attributes - His resumeʼ - His characteristics

How could we describe the person of Jesus - in such a way that shows His unique worthiness?

a. Jesus is the Perfect Sacrifice

And I saw . . . a lamb standing, as though it had been slain

Note the contrast- v 5 - the Lion of the tribe of Judah

- the root of David

- This speaks of might, power, privilege, authority- Lion - David - military majesty and might- Judah, Root - place of privilege and power -

fulfillment of biblical prophecy - lineage of royalty

- Judah - the most faithful of the tribes (i.e., Judges)- David - the most powerful and most celebrated

king in all Israeli history

This is the one the elder tells John - has overcome - and has the power and authority to take the scroll that contains all the judgments of God on earth and will implement them

And when Johnʼs eyes catch a glimpse of the Lion of the tribe of Judah - the Root of the Mighty David

- what does He see? a lamb.- arnion - could refer to a little lamb

- but by the time John was writing - this term simply referred to a sheep of any age - probably an adult male of a sheep - something like a ʻramʼ - has horns

This particular term is used exclusively by John- almost 30x John uses this term in his writings - all but

one occur in the book of Revelation

What a shock! - you expect to see the vision of chapter 1 - you expect to see a military ruler- you expect to see a royal and majestic figure

And you see a lamb - a little sheep

Yet - this is the term that will describe Jesus throughout the book of Revelation - unlike any other term or name

- at least 26 times outside of this verse Jesus will be called the Lamb

- the lamb is worthy- 5:12- sits with the Father on the throne 5:13; 7:9,

10- Breaks the 7 seals of the scroll 6:1- Unleashes His wrath on the earth - 6:16- Cleanses those who have been martyred in

the great tribulation with his own blood - 7:14- Is the shepherd of His people - 7:17- Provides the means for saints to overcome

in the Tribulation through His blood - 12:11- The book that contains the names of all the

saved and redeemed - is the Lambʼs Book of life - 13:8

- His name is on the forehead of the 144,000 - 14:1

- The beast - will be tormented in the Lambʼs presence - 14:10

- The victorious martyred saints wills ing the song of the lamb - 15:3

- The lamb is the object of Satanʼs wrath - 17:14

- the lamb will host a marriage supper - the saints will partake in 19:7, 9; 21:9

- the 12 apostles are the apostles of the Lamb 21:14

- The Lamb with God are the temple of the New Jerusalem 21:22

- The Lamb is the light of the new Jerusalem 21:23

- The water of life comes from the Lamb 22:1

Why a lamb?

Exodus 12 - the Passover Lamb - slaughtered- Jesus is that final lamb - slaughtered once for all

Isaiah 53:7 (ESV)He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.

John 1:29 (ESV)Behold, the Lamb of God29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

John 1:36 (ESV)36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”

1 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

1 Peter 1:19 (ESV)19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Hebrews 10:11-18 - Jesus is the final sacrifice

That is why he was shown to John not merely as a lamb- but one “as slaughtered” - a strong word - implying

violence and force- Perfect tense - having been slaughtered and

remains to this moment with a look of having been slaughtered

But note - not dead - not a lifeless lamb- but “standing” - a demonstration of the Resurrection

Why is Jesus worthy? - because of His person- and who is He - the Perfect Sacrifice for Sin

1 Timothy 2:5 (ESV)5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

1 Peter 3:18 (ESV)18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

Acceptable to God - perfect for mankind- he is worthy, because He is the perfect sacrifice

b. Jesus Has Perfect Power

with seven horns

In Revelation - horns refer to authority or power - kingdoms- 13:1, 11; 17:3, 7, 12

The same is true in the Old Testament- especially in Daniel - Daniel 7:7-8, 20, 24; 8:3, 20, 22 -

and Zechariah 1:18-21

7 horns - 7 being the number representing something complete and full - finished - final

Thus - the Lamb with 7 horns - a Lamb with total authority - power - rule - complete power and might

c. Jesus Has Perfect Knowledge

with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth

Here is another reference to the Holy Spirit - 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6

Described in Zechariah 4:1-10- Jesus - connected to the father through the Throne- Jesus connected to the Spirit through the 7 eyes

Referring to complete knowledge of all that goes on in the earth.

What makes Jesus worthy? - His person- perfect sacrifice - perfect power - perfect knowledge

3. Jesusʼ Privilege makes him uniquely worthy v 7

Here is Jesusʼ ability- what He alone is capable of doing

Remember 5:2-4 - recall what the scroll is - Godʼs plan for the future - judgment and redemption

Recall what it means to take it out of Godʼs right hand - implies ability and worthiness

Recall what it means to open - to implement and enact what is in the scroll

Out of everything and everyone in the entire creation - no one was “worthy”- and Jesus displays His worthiness to all the universe- Jesus - in the midst of the throne - reaches over to the

hand of the Father and takes the scroll

That is the place of ultimate privilege - ultimate ability

And note what happens when Jesus takes that scroll- assumes his place as the sovereign judge over all the

earth- takes his position as the one who will take back the

earth from sin and Satan and restore everything under the rightful rule of the Almighty

What happens next reveals a fourth reason why jesus is uniquely worthy

4. Jesusʼ praise makes him uniquely worthy vv 8-10

Here are Jesusʼ accomplishments

When Jesus takes the scroll - look at the response in Heaven - and in fact, over all the earth

Exuberant and enthusiastic praise erupts - like an earthquake with shock waves circling out from the throne itself

4 living creatures - 24 elders v8 - v 11 - all creation

But notice how the praise of Jesus makes Him uniquely worthy- worth more than all the rest of creation

a. Jesus is the object of angelic worship v 8a

the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb

- here is the normal posture for worship - absolute humility

- no one is worthy to stay on their feet - only in a position of submission and humble surrender

- 7:11; 11:16; 19:4

- NOTICE - they take the same position of worship as they did before the Father

- when John fell down before an angel to worship - he was rebuked - 19:10; 22:8, 9

- only God deserves such a response

each holding a harp- the kithara - a stringed instrument - all the strings are the

same length - probably around 10 inches long

These are the instruments of worship and praise in the Psalms

Psalm 32:2 (ESV)! 2! Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Psalm 43:4 (ESV)! 4! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.

Psalm 71:22 (ESV)! 22! I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praises to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.

Psalm 98:4 (ESV)! 4! Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Psalm 150:3 (ESV)! 3! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!

The ancient guitar - would be strummed - also called a lyre

It was the instrument David played - 1 Sam 16:16- would bring an attitude of joy to the worship of God

Notice - the instrumental orchestra of heaven begins - primarily by the 24 elders

Jesus is the object of angelic worship- those whose minds are not clouded by sin - who see the

presence of God and worship God day in and day out - worship Christ with exuberance and joy

b. Jesus is the vindicator of the saintsʼ suffering

and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints

bowls - like what was used in the temple to burn incense to God- a wide mouth, shallow bowl - like a saucer

Full of incense - sweet smelling spices that were burned - the smoke lifted up

Within the temple - an altar of incense - represented the prayers of the saints being lifted to God

Psalm 141:2 (ESV)! 2! Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!

Luke 1:10 (ESV)10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

But here - the prayers of the saints are much more than merely general prayers being offered6:9-11; 8:3ff

These are prayers of vindication by the saints - God vindicates the blood of those who lost their lives for you

The prayers of martyrs for martyrs - the prayers of those in heaven - for those who suffer persecution on earth

Here these prayers are being lifted up continually - by the elders - who represent those who God has redeemed through all the ages

- and Jesus talking the scroll, means their long offered prayers will now finally be answered - and Godʼs name and their blood will be avenged.

The saints - in Revelation - primarily refers - not to the church specifically - but those who suffer on the earth, during what Revelation calls the Great Tribulation

But here before the Tribulation begins, are the prayers of saints already in Glory - praying for those who have and will suffer

- OT and NT believers - possibly those who have arrived in heaven due to persecution

What makes Jesus uniquely worthy - His praise - the fulfillment of all the prayers of the saints for the persecution they have endured and the way Gods name has been profaned

c. Jesus is the Purchaser of Mankindʼs salvation v 9

And they sang a new song- not a new song - like newly written - written yesterday- but a new type of song - a new kind of song- not a song of praise - anticipating the Messiah to reign- but a new song - a song that now acknowledges the full

Reign of Jesus Christ and the complete overthrow of all his enemies

Mentioned often in the Psalms - Ps 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1; Isaiah 42:10- refers to a song of salvation- a new kind of song - different than the songs of

unforgiven lost humanity- new song sung by new people

Goes along with all that will become new- Rev 2:17 - new name- 3:12 - New Jerusalem- 21:1 - new heaven- 21:2 - New Jerusalem- 21:5 - behold I am making all things new

And now they sing His praise and exalt His worthiness- and note why -

- you ransomed - lit - purchased or bought

1 Corinthians 6:20 (ESV)20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 7:23 (ESV)23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.

Notice the price for this purchase - with your own blood

from every tribe and language and people and nation

- not every individual - but some from within every type of person

people from different descents or clanpeople who speak different languagespeople from different ethnicitiespeople from different political entity - not just republicans - not just democrats - not just Americans who live in democracy

BUT- some who live in dictatorships- some who under communism- some who live under absolute monarchies

Some from all of these

Heaven will not be all white southern born people - or middle class

- it will be filled with every race, every language, every people group, dialect and nationality.

Note - no one else in all the world receives this kind of praise

- because no one else has paid this kind of price to bring all kinds of people together as one united people of God

d. Jesus is the producer of believersʼ victory v 10

The result of his purchasing them- future reign with Christ upon the earth

Daniel 7:22 (ESV)22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.

Daniel 7:27 (ESV)! 27! And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven

shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.ʼ

Revelation 1:6 (ESV)6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 20:6 (ESV)6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

Kingdom and priests- there will be a priestly role of believers in the millennial

kingdom- offering up sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to

God in honor of His name

CONCLUSION

Jesusʼ place, person, privilege and praise- all show how worthy He is- how much he is worth- how valuable he is

and no one is like Him- and no one deserves greater obedience and love and

adoration

How significantly have we thought about Jesus today in our gathering?

How often do you sit to significantly pray through - think about the implications of the person, attributes, accomplishments, details of the person of Jesus Christ?

Often our worship services have so neutered the immensity and depth of Jesusʼ accomplishments by speaking of Him in general and undefined terms.

- precious words like “Savior” “Lord” “Master” “Redeemer” “Lamb” “Son of God”

- all need to be unpacked - meditated upon - deepened in our contemplation of

Our songs should not merely an emotional outlet to sing about the generalities of Jesus, but a stimulation to challenge our intellect and deepen our emotional responses to the depths of what Jesus has done and who He is.

Our prayers should reflect a thorough, personal, profound contemplation and understanding of the sufficiency of the person of Jesus.

- no wonder the church is continually giving way to the false premises of psychological evaluations of peopleʼs problems

- when we think about Jesus in no more significant terms than a future ticket to heaven

- when we think about the gospel and the work on the cross as simply what grants forgiveness, but not necessarily the central answer to every issue of life

Our gatherings should we a weekly expansion of our ideas of who Christ is- a constant challenge to how we are responding to the

multi-faceted nature of what He has done- a continual deepening of our trust in His sufficiency for

every area of life - every issue of our past - every detail of our future. We must view Jesus as uniquely worthy.