In the 4^th and 5^th chapters of the book of Revelation, John through inspiration paints a vivid scene of the throne of God. In this scene, we see the majesty, power and glory of God symbolically portrayed by images of precious stones, rainbows, thrones and creatures. We see sitting on the throne One who is worthy of worship and adoration. These great chapters also focus on the Worthy Lamb of God, Christ our King.

Jesus, the one worthy to loose the seals on God’s book, is described as One who has redeemed us to God by His blood (5:9). Why is Jesus the worthy one and what is Jesus worthy of?

Jesus is worthy because He is the Son of God. Jesus is God’s only begotten Son (John 3:16). Even those who crucified Him recognized Him as such (Matthew 27:54). As God’s Son and as One being equal with God (John 10:30, Philippians 2:6), Jesus was given all authority (Matthew 28:18).

Jesus is worthy because He lived a sinless life. Although tempted in every way, Jesus never gave in to temptation (Hebrews 4:15). How ironic that though Jesus did not sin, He became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Jesus is worthy because He is the perfect sacrifice. Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth was to die for men. His great love for the souls of men is seen in His willingness to die (Romans 5:8). The blood of animals could not take away sin (Hebrews 10:4), so Jesus took away sin by being the only sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:12-14).

Jesus is worthy because He possessed a selfless attitude. Jesus demonstrated this attitude in the upper room as He washed the feet of the Apostles (John 13). He emptied Himself and gave up heaven for us (2 Corinthians 8:9, Philippians 2:5-8). He healed many and raised many from the dead not for His own well being but for the good of others; the physical and spiritual well being.

Jesus is worthy because He had the heart of a servant. Jesus went about doing good (Acts 10:38). He came to serve and not to be served (Matthew 20:28). He went to people and allowed them to come to Him. Jesus did not keep away in "Ivory Palaces". He had compassion for men (Matthew 9:36).

What then is Jesus worthy of? John answers that question in Revelation 5:12. "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing." In other words, He is worthy of all our praise, all our thanks, all our devotion, all our worship and all our life.

How do we treat the Worthy Lamb? Do we treat Jesus like an old game that we play occasionally and put aside for long periods of time? Or do we recognize He is worthy of all?

~Greg Neill