April 12, 2004

THE WORTHY LAMB

"In a loud voice they sang: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!' " (Revelation 5:12, NIV).

Continuing the imagery of the Lamb, John describes Jesus as the worthy Lamb that was slain. In vision, he sees a celestial mass choir that breaks forth in a magnificent seven-fold doxology of praise to the worthy Lamb. Christ is eulogized for His victory over sin and death and for the grand climax of the plan of salvation.

The key word in the chorus of praise is the word, worthy. Only the "Lamb, who was slain" is entitled to receive the sevenfold doxology of praise. The Lamb is worthy because of His victory and moral worth. No one else could qualify. The gift of His own life qualified Him to receive the adoration and praise of the universe. The story of redemption is that the "Lamb, who was slain" has changed everything in the universe and has given meaning, hope, and eternal life to the human race.

George F. Handel's magnificent musical masterpiece, Messiah, concludes with the theme "Worthy is the Lamb." The music vibrates with a combination of joy, praise, adoration, and suspense as it captures John's vision of the worthy Lamb. It depicts the Lamb despised and rejected, crucified on Calvary, and then glorified, victorious, and eulogized by the celestial chorale. Ellen G. White adds, "Let every breath of praise, every word of exaltation, flow to Him who is worthy, flow to Jesus, the Prince of life, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world."--Signs of the Times, December 30, 1889.

My Prayer Today: Lord, as the worthy Lamb that was slain, You deserve my loudest praise. Amen.