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)

Jesus tells us in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5:3-10) what kind of person will receive blessing. “Blessed are the poor in spirit” said the one who prayerfully demonstrated utter dependence on his Father in heaven for strength and success. “Blessed are those who mourn” said the one who cried over Jerusalem. “Blessed are the meek” said the one who confronted the powerful and comforted the weak. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” said the one who called on his followers and critics alike not to neglect the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. “Blessed are the merciful” said the one who embraced the Samaritan woman at the well. “Blessed are the pure in heart” said the one who welcomed the little children. “Blessed are the peacemakers” said the one who served both Jew and gentile, both Pharisee and tax collector. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” said the one who was criticized, threatened and hunted for opposing the hypocrisy of his generation.

And what did all of this blessedness get him? It got him crucified. He knew this was the path that his Father had set before him. He knew the curse of Adam that humankind lives under. So he bore the curse so that we might be blessed. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’” (Galatians 3:13). And even from the cross he blessed those who cursed him, and prayed for those who abused him (Luke 6:28). The man most deserving of blessing willingly bore the curse so that the least deserving might nevertheless be blessed.

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

(This ends the “Worth Is the Lamb” series)