Day 71: What makes Jesus so special? - Revelation 5:11 to 6:2
11-12 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders - and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands - saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honour and glory and blessing!”
13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honour and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” 14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshipped Him who lives forever and ever.
6 vs 1-2 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. Revelation 5:11-6:2 New King James Version
Some people say that Christians make too much fuss about Jesus Christ! “After all”, they say, “wasn't he just another prophet, or one of many religious teachers of the past?” Today's verses show, however, that Jesus is far more than 'just another prophet' or one of many teachers. John tells us how he saw millions of angels in heaven praising Him, and how everyone around God's throne fell down and worshipped Him. What was the reason for the angels praise? (vs 11-12)
The sacrifice Jesus made for sinners made Him worthy of even the adoration of angels! And all the things the creatures and elders around the throne said about the Father - they said were true of Jesus too. (vs 13). Jesus is worshipped in heaven, and that's something that doesn't happen to any of the prophets of old
But it's not only John who says such things about Jesus. Look what Paul said about Him in his prayer for Christians in the city of Ephesus. He said: “I pray you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. It is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honour at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else - not only in this world, but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.” (Ephesians 1:19-22) And writing to Christians at Philippi Paul said: “Because Jesus humbled himself in obedience to God and died on the cross, God has given him the name above all other names - so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord.” (Philippians 2:8-11)
It is because Jesus is so special that He was the only one worthy enough to 'open the seals' of the scroll that was in the Fathers hands. God willing, I hope in our next study in Revelation to start looking at the things Jesus begins to show John as He opens the seven seals. Today lets just note again that Jesus is worshipped in Heaven as well as on earth, and He is the one who reveals the Father's plans in the world.
As we look around us the world looks pretty chaotic. Perhaps your own personal world is somewhat topsy-turvey too. But God is working His purposes out and it is through Jesus Christ that we 'get on board' with all that God is doing. He is oh so special – and so worthy of all our love and praise.