A Revelation Invitation

(The “Worthy Is the Lamb” series begins here.)

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!” (Revelation 5:11-12 ESV)

By taking human form, Jesus left behind the glory that he enjoyed in the presence of his Father and the Spirit. He chose instead to be born a helpless infant, born a poor teenage girl’s baby, born in a stable lying in a manger among the animals. There was no glory in it.

He grew up an apprentice to his father Joseph, a carpenter, living in the small, forgettable town of Nazareth. Clearly people didn’t think much of the place. Before Jesus called Nathaniel, even he said, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46 ESV). There was no glory it.

He began his ministry without the formal training expected of a Rabbi. When he began teaching at the temple, people questioned, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” (John 7:15 ESV). Even when he returned to his hometown to teach and minister, those who knew him said skeptically, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son?” (Matthew 13:54-55 ESV). There was no glory in it.

When he arrived at Jerusalem to be enthroned as king, he entered the city riding not on a stallion, but on a donkey. There was no glory in it.

In a gesture of mocking irony, Pilate posted a sign on his cross which read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” A truer claim has never been made, yet there was no glory in it.

Jesus knew from where his glory came. On one occasion at the temple when confronted by the Jews, he explained, “I do not receive glory from people … How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:41,44 ESV). He wanted only the glory that comes from his Father. He rose from the grave, ascended to his throne and forever receives glory from his Father.

Now we join with the chorus of angels singing, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive glory.”

(Part 7 of the “Worthy Is the Lamb” series is here.)