February 8 | Revelation 5

Elaine Pierce
Feb 8
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Worthy is the Lamb

By Elaine Pierce

I don't know about you, but when I open the book of Revelation, I find myself a little nervous. This book is full of visions and images, and I can't begin to understand them! Churches have split over interpreting this book: are you a premillenialist? An amillenialist? A post millenialist? (My favorite is the pan-millenialist: I don't know exactly how it will happen, but it will all pan out in the end:)). Chapter 5 is a vivid description of 'a scroll with writing on both sides sealed with seven seals.' But no one could unseal the scroll.....until the Lion AND the Lamb. What a combination - strength and power, gentleness and peace.

The song that the angels sing has been immortalized in Handel's Messiah. "Worthy is the Lamb" is the final, celebratory number of his masterpiece (even though we often think of the Hallelujah Chorus as the end). Take a few minutes to let this music touch your soul:

Worthy is the Lamb

Can you picture the scene as John describes it in verses 11-12:

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousands times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.

Thousands and thousands...ten thousand times ten thousand...I am reminded of the words in the hymn Amazing Grace: when we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less case to sing God's grace than when we first begun. The image of angels joining together to praise God - and never tiring of worshipping him - fills me with hope and joy and gives me strength when the world seems out of control and darkness seems to be winning over light.

Yes, He is worthy. One day every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that he is Lord. John gives us a picture of what that will be like. Ask him to give you glimpses of his 'lamb power' this week, and He will show you how you can join him in kingdom work.

PRAYER

Thank you, Lord, for creating beauty. All good gifts come from you, and I pray that today and every day I will watch for signs that you are at work, and I will join you in pointing others to the cross. You are worthy, you are king, you are savior. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!