“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, ‘To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’”
(Revelation 5:13)
In God’s sovereign design, He gave His one and only Son over to evil men to be brutally murdered (Acts 2:23). But that was only the beginning of the story, for three days later “God raised Him up, loosening the pangs of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it” (Acts 2:24).
And because Christ was fully obedient to the plan of His Father to the point of “death on a cross,” God chose to exalt Him above all. The Father elevated the name of Jesus above every name, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:8–12).
William Strong rightly said, “There is more of God in [Christ] than in all the creatures in heaven and earth. ‘In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily’” (Col. 2:9).[1] “He is fairer than the children of men, God hath anointed Him with the oil of gladness above His fellows” (Ps. 45:2, 7).
Because God’s great design next to His own glory has been to exalt His Son above all creatures in heaven and earth, Jesus, the Lamb of God, is singularly worthy of all worship. Both prayers and praise should be directed to Christ, “Prayers shall be made for Him continually and daily shall He be praised” (Ps. 72:15). All creation is subject to Him (1 Cor. 15:27). All angels worship Him (Heb. 1:6). All governments and rulers are under His control (Col. 2:10). And He is the foundation of happiness to all the saints.
God makes it clear in His Word that Jesus Christ is to be exalted above all creatures. The Father has honored Him with a name above every other name. He has been given authority, power, and sovereignty over all creation. All worship is due Him, and the happiness of all creatures depends on Him. When we consider these truths, we can only conclude that it should be our heart’s desire, as well as our duty, to worship Jesus as Lord of all.
“Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” (Luke 4:8)
Contemplation:
- The Worthiness of Christ. Lord Jesus, You are most excellent and worthy to be praised. Do I honor You, even as the Father is honored? Help me worship and exalt You above all, honoring You as I honor God.
- The Glory of the Son. Lord, “Yours is the glory, for You are the King of glory.” All the honor that You have as God has been displayed in Christ’s covenant work for sinners. You say in Your Word that the Father will be glorified in His Son, and this is both for the glory of Christ and the glory of God. Do I glorify You as I ought and do I really appreciate all Your work as I should?
- Seeing the Father in the Son. Lord, You have manifested Yourself to me through Your Word. I long for a deeper relationship and communion with You and look forward to heaven where I shall see You face to face. As I seek a fuller manifestation of the Father, I have the Word which instructs me to look to You as Mediator. And You, Lord Jesus, are like a mirror which shines forth and reflects all the attributes of God to me (2 Cor. 3:18). This helps me have a fuller communion with You as Your child. Help me pursue my search of the Scriptures, that I might see Christ more clearly and honor You in all I do.
- Christ the Cornerstone. Jesus, You have the highest honor as “the head of the corner” (Ps. 118:22), and “the chief cornerstone” (Eph. 2:20). You are the foundation of the building that I am now part of. I was in darkness, but You brought me into the light, and now I have been fashioned as a stone that is set in Your temple. You are truly the fountain of all glory. Help me express that more faithfully in my walk before You and in my prayer to You.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, You are worthy to receive all honor, all worship, and all praise. Your name is exalted above every name. Your glory shines above the heavens. You have been given the preeminence in all things, for You are the brightness of the Father’s glory and the express image of His person. You uphold all things by the word of Your power, and yet You humbled Yourself to the point of death, even death on a cross. In this humiliation You triumphed, and in Your obedience the Father has glorified You. I adore You for all You are and all You have done.
You are the Lamb who was slain, and the Lion who reigns. You alone are worthy to open the scroll, for by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and tongue and nation. And You have made us a kingdom and priests to our God. We shall reign with You, for You are our eternal King. I bow my heart before You, my Lord and Savior. Cause me to love You more, to cherish Your name more, and to speak often of Your glory.
You are the exact image of the invisible God, the radiance of divine majesty. In You I see holiness, mercy, justice, and truth. By You I am brought near to the Father. You are the living Word, the Mediator of a better covenant, the High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for me. I praise You for drawing near to me when I was afar off, for the righteousness You provide, the sacrifice You gave, and the grace You continue to supply.
All my worship belongs to You, Christ Jesus. Whether I rise or rest, whether I work or pray, whether I speak or remain silent, may all I do be done to the praise of Your name. Let my affections be stirred more deeply to honor You with my whole life. Let my tongue bless You and my hands serve You. Let my thoughts exalt You and my heart rest in You.
All authority in heaven and earth has been given to You. You reign over kings and kingdoms, over angels and demons, over history and eternity. Let my life be a living sacrifice to Your glory. Let my worship be full and reverent, joyful and true. Make me to delight in Your commands and to hope in Your return.
Because to You, O Lamb of God, belong blessing and honor and glory and might, forever and ever.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Revelation 5:13:
Phil. 2:10; Rev. 7:10; 1 Chron. 29:11; Rom. 11:36; Ps. 72:19, 86:9.
[1] William Strong, Jesus Christ, God’s Shepherd, (Coconut Creek, FL: Puritan Publications, 2013) eBook, section Christ is Glorious and Honorable.
