“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”
(Revelation 5:12)
The fifth chapter of Revelation begins by describing a heavenly courtroom—God seated on His throne, holding a scroll in His right hand that represents His covenant sealed with seven seals. When a strong angel cries out, “Who is worthy to open the scroll?” no one is found. On observing this scene, John begins to weep, overwhelmed by the silence.
Then one of the elders cries out: “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah… has conquered.” But when John looks, instead of a lion, he sees a Lamb—standing as though slain. This is Christ, the Lamb of God. He alone is worthy to take the scroll and open its seals because He alone has fulfilled all the requirements of God’s covenant. He is the Mediator, the Righteous One, the Slain Lamb, and the Conquering King.
At that moment those around the throne burst forth in song: “Worthy are You… for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed a people for God.” Christ, the Lamb of God, fulfilled what no one else could. He bore the judgment, satisfied divine justice, and secured an eternal inheritance for His people. He is therefore praised in heaven by saints and angels alike, who bow in reverence before Him.
The glory of Christ’s mediatorial work is unsearchable. As Thomas Hodges wrote, His excellency expands the more we consider it, until our understanding is swallowed up by it.[1] This is why Christ receives all honor in heaven and why He must receive all honor from our hearts now.
So let us adore the Lamb, for the glory due Him is infinite. His work is the culmination of all the types, shadows, and promises in Scripture. His triumph at the cross and His place on heaven’s throne must shape our worship, our wonder, and our walk. He is worthy—worthy to receive power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing… forever.
Contemplation:
- Christ Alone Is Worthy. The Lamb who was slain is the only One worthy to take the scroll and open its seals. No man, angel, or created being can fulfill the demands of the covenant. Only Christ, in His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, has satisfied the justice of God. This must awaken reverence and awe in me, for He did what no other could do. He stood where all others would fall.
- Worship Is the Right Response. The heavenly host does not discuss, debate, or delay—they fall down and worship the Lamb. This is the model for my own life. Worship must be more than a part of my routine; it must be the expression of my heart that has seen the glory of the Redeemer and cannot keep silent. Am I casting down every crown before Him, or am I still clinging to my own glory?
- Redemption Was Costly. The praise in Revelation 5 centers on the blood of the Lamb. Christ was slain to ransom people from every tribe and nation. The cost was infinite, the suffering real, and the result everlasting. I should never treat sin lightly, nor grace as cheap. What cost the Son His life must never be treated as something casual or common by me.
- My Place in the Song. Those redeemed by the blood are made into a kingdom and priests to our God. This means I have been set apart for worship, consecrated for God’s service, and secured for everlasting communion. My daily walk must reflect this priestly identity for I am not a spectator to this heavenly song—I am part of it.
Prayer
[Adoration to Christ]
Worthy are You, O Lamb of God. Worthy are You to take the scroll, for You were slain and by Your blood You ransomed Your people. There is no one like You in heaven or on earth. You bore the curse that I deserved. You fulfilled all righteousness in my place. You satisfied the holy justice of the Father and removed condemnation from me forever. Worthy are You, my Redeemer, to receive all honor and praise.
Let every thought in my mind be brought into submission to Your glory. Let every desire in my heart be shaped by Your beauty. Let every word from my mouth reflect Your majesty. And let every step of my walk be in service to You, my risen King. You alone have the right to rule. You alone are the covenant-keeper, the intercessor, the Savior. You are the center of heaven’s worship and must be the center of mine.
Holy Spirit, draw my affections upward where Christ is seated. Teach me to live as one who has been ransomed. Convict me when I treat Christ’s blood lightly. Chasten me when I neglect so great a salvation. Kindle in me a joy that matches the worship of the saints in glory and make my earthly praise a true echo of their heavenly song.
O Lamb of God, receive what You are due: power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing. Not only from angels and saints in heaven—but from me, here and now. You are worthy of every breath, every beat of my heart, every fiber of my being. Let my whole life resound with praise to the Lamb. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Revelation 5:12:
Rev. 4:11, 5:6, 5:9; Phil. 2:9; Ps. 148:2.
[1] Thomas Hodges, A Glimpse of God’s Glory, eBook (Crossville, TN: Puritan Publications, 2017) Part 4, Despising God’s Glory.
