“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). “He is fairer than the children of men, God hath anointed Him with the oil of gladness above His fellows,” (Ps. 45:2, 7). Jesus Christ has fellows in grace, but not in glory.”
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,” (Psalm 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 depend on Him. When we consider these truths, we can only conclude that it is not only our duty – but should also be our heart’s desire – to worship Jesus as Lord of all!
“Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” (Luke 4:8)
- Lord Jesus, You are most excellent and worthy to be praised and worshipped as God. Do I honor You, even as the Father is honored? Help me worship and exalt You above all, honoring You as I honor God.
- 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 for the glory of God. Do I glorify You as I ought and do I really appreciate all Your work as I should?
- 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.
- 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 sustain this building I am now a part of. 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.
Further References for Rev. 5:13
Phil. 2:10; Rev. 7:10; 1 Chron. 29:11; Rom. 11:36; Ps. 72:19, 86:9.
