Rev 5:9-10
Sung by: The beasts and elders
Lyrics
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Rev 5:9-10
Have you heard any song with these wordings? Please share if Yes.
The four beasts are comparable to Isaiah’s Seraphims (their wings and declarations-Is 6:2-3) and Ezekiel’s living creatures (their four faces- Ezekiel 1:1-13), and they represent all creatures- man, beasts, cattle and birds. The elders represent the redeemed from the two nations of God- the Jews and Gentiles. These together sang of the worthiness of the Lamb. The Lamb is an ironic figure- powerful and conquering as a lion in his acts and establishing as a root- therefore, the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the root of David, springing up from David Rev 5:33. Worthiness is at the center of worship, without it worship has no true meaning. Worship is derived from ‘worth’ and it describes the value we ascribe to someone or something. Why is the Lamb worthy? First, he is worthy to open the book and then worthy of worship? Why is he qualified for both? Primarily because he has prevailed Rev 5:5. To prevail is to triumph, overcome, conquer and have the victory. What did the Lamb overcome? Primarily death 1 Cor 15:54; Is 25:8. By His death he swallowed up death and set us free from the power of death. Eternal life will not be possible as long as the last enemy (1 Cor 15:26; Rev 20:14) of man remains. Therefore, he has won the right to open the book of the mystery of God and by that act he is worthy of worship like no other. The beasts and the elders sang as an expression of their joy that the mystery of God will no longer remain concealed. Their worship was heartfelt.
The Lamb is worthy Rev 5:12
The Lamb is worthy… this is perfectly described by all his creation as follows-
- Power- no power but of God Rom 13:1; 2 Cor 4:7; Eph 1:9; Ps 62:11- power belongs to God
- Riches- riches of the glory-Eph 2:7; unsearchable riches Eph 3:8
- Wisdom- the only wise God Jude 1:25
- Strength- the LORD is clothed with strength Ps 93:1
- Honour- Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all 1 Chr 29:12
- Glory- my glory will I not give to another Is 42:8
- Blessing- thy blessing is upon thy people Ps 3:8; The blessing of the LORD be upon you Ps 129:8
What does the song reveal?
- The authority of the Lamb to open the book written within and on the backside sealed with seven seals Rev 5:1.
- The identity of the beasts and the elders as representatives of God’s creatures and redeemed peoples Rev 5:9
- Redemption is procured solely by the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ Rev 5:9
- The eternal status of the redeemed as kings and priests of God Rev 5:10
- The earth as the eternal habitation of the redeemed Rev 5:10
- The redeemed shall reign on earth Rev 5:10
Conclusion
The charge to all the seven churches is “to him who overcomes…”; because he overcame, we can overcome. And it is those who overcome that shall reign with him; they will worship before him continually. This is the likeness to which we are called, to overcome in the spirit of meekness of Christ. Suffering and death (physical but also the principle of laying down our lives) are the pathways. It is not for the faithless and heartless, it is for those who have seen the Invisible and are trusting in His power to save to the uttermost. These are the ones that shall sing the song of victory together with the beasts and the elders. May the LORD count you and I worthy. Amen.