The Worthiness of the Lamb

The Paradox of Power and Sacrifice

In human history, worthiness is often measured by power, wealth, and status. Rulers are considered worthy based on their ability to conquer, lead, and command respect. Success is often equated with material wealth, influence, and dominance. The world honors those who rise to the top, often at the expense of others.

But God’s kingdom turns this upside down. In Revelation 5, Jesus is declared worthy, not because He amassed great earthly riches or ruled with an iron fist, but because He was slain (Revelation 5:12). His worthiness is rooted in His humility, obedience, and sacrificial love.

This is the great paradox of the Christian faith—true power comes through surrender, true greatness through servanthood, and true victory through sacrifice. Jesus reigns as the Lion because He first submitted as the Lamb.

I. The Slain Lamb: Power in Weakness

At the center of heaven’s throne is a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain (Revelation 5:6). This is a shocking image. We expect a lion, a mighty warrior, but instead, we see a sacrificial Lamb.

The Apostle Paul explains this paradox in 1 Corinthians 1:25:

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”

The world seeks power through violence, conquest, and self-promotion. But Jesus’ power is revealed in self-giving love. His greatest victory was not on a battlefield, but on a cross. His throne was not made of gold, but a wooden cross stained with blood.

The early church understood this paradox. They were persecuted, weak, and despised, yet they worshiped a King who had conquered not by killing His enemies, but by dying for them. His power was not in crushing others but in redeeming them.

This is what makes Jesus worthy. He is not just a king who rules; He is a king who serves, suffers, and sacrifices Himself for His people.

II. The Lamb’s Seven Great Possessions

William Barclay, in his commentary, explains that the song of the living creatures and elders in Revelation 5 focuses on Christ’s work in His death, but the song of the angels speaks of His possessions in His glory. The Risen Lord possesses seven great attributes, and each reveals something profound about His divine nature and mission.

1. Power – “Christ the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24).

Jesus is not a powerless savior. He is the source of all strength, the One who holds authority over heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). Unlike human rulers who use power for personal gain, Jesus’ power is used to save, restore, and bring justice.

We can say triumphantly of Him:

“He is able.”

• He is able to save to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25).

• He is able to strengthen us (2 Timothy 1:12).

• He is able to keep us from falling (Jude 24).

Because Jesus possesses all power, we can trust Him completely.

2. Riches – “Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Paul speaks of “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). True wealth is not measured in gold but in the grace of God.

Jesus left the riches of heaven to redeem us. His riches are:

• Spiritual – He gives us peace, righteousness, and eternal life.

• Redemptive – He purchased us with His own blood (1 Peter 1:18-19).

• Abundant – His grace is limitless, overflowing, and freely given.

There is no promise Jesus made that He does not have the resources to fulfill.

3. Wisdom – “Christ the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24).

Jesus is wisdom personified. He possesses:

• The wisdom of eternity—knowing the past, present, and future.

• The wisdom of redemption—understanding the depths of human sin and providing the perfect solution.

• The wisdom to guide us—giving us direction in life’s challenges (James 1:5).

Unlike earthly rulers, who make flawed decisions, Jesus’ wisdom is perfect and infallible.

4. Strength – Christ is the strong one who disarms the powers of evil and overthrows Satan (Luke 11:22).

• No force of darkness can stand against Him.

• No sin or addiction is too great for Him to break.

• No circumstance is beyond His ability to handle.

The strength of Christ is displayed most powerfully in His resurrection—the moment when He triumphed over sin, death, and hell itself.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

5. Honor – “Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:11).

Even those who oppose Christ today will one day acknowledge His lordship.

• Every king, president, and ruler will bow before Him.

• Every atheist, skeptic, and rebel will confess that He is Lord.

• Every created being will acknowledge His supreme worthiness.

Even those who are not Christian often honor Christ, admitting that His teachings alone offer hope to a broken world.

6. Glory – “We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

The glory of Christ is:

• Revealed in His transfiguration (Matthew 17:2).

• Displayed in His resurrection (Luke 24:26).

• Manifested in His return (Revelation 19:11-16).

To say that Jesus possesses glory is to affirm His divinity. His glory is not just a reflection of God—He is God.

7. Blessing – Christ does not hoard His blessings but shares them with us.

• He blesses the humble (Matthew 5:3-12).

• He blesses those who suffer for righteousness (1 Peter 4:14).

• He blesses His people with eternal life (John 10:10).

The greatest blessing we can receive is the presence of Christ Himself.

III Jesus Does Not Hoard These Attributes—He Uses Them for Us

In the kingdoms of this world, rulers accumulate power, wealth, and honor for themselves. They guard their status and refuse to share their riches. But Jesus is different.

• He does not keep His power to Himself—He empowers His people (Acts 1:8).

• He does not hoard His riches—He gives generously (2 Corinthians 9:8).

• He does not keep His wisdom hidden—He shares it freely (James 1:5).

• He does not demand honor—He humbled Himself to serve (Philippians 2:5-7).

Because Jesus gives all that He has for our sake, the redeemed respond in worship and gratitude.

Reflection Question:

• How does Christ’s example challenge your view of power, wealth, and success?

Conclusion: Jesus Alone is Worthy

The worthiness of Jesus is found not in earthly conquest, but in His sacrifice. The world chases after power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing for selfish gain. But Jesus possesses all these things—and He gives them away.

This is why we sing with the angels:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12)

Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

The Right Hand of God

Held by the Right Hand of God

Strength for Every Season

A Symbol of Power, Grace, and Redemption

The “right hand of God” is a profound and recurring theme throughout Scripture, rich with symbolism and meaning. It represents not only His power and authority but also His intimate care, compassion, and faithfulness to His people. To speak of God’s right hand is to speak of His active involvement in the world—delivering justice, offering protection, and extending grace. It is at God’s right hand that we find refuge from life’s storms, strength in our weakness, and ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ. This theme weaves through both the Old and New Testaments, revealing the consistent character of a God who is both mighty to save and tender in His love. The right hand of God is not a distant symbol but a living reality that invites us into relationship and anchors us in His unchanging promises.

The Right Hand of Power

The psalmist declares, “Your right hand, O Lord, glorious in power, your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy” (Exodus 15:6, ESV). This verse celebrates God’s unmatched power to deliver His people, as demonstrated in the Exodus when He led Israel out of slavery with miraculous displays of His might. God’s right hand is both a weapon against the forces of evil and a shield for those who trust in Him.

Matthew Henry writes, “When God exerts His power, He does so in ways that astonish His enemies and strengthen His people. His right hand is always mighty to save.” This dual action—bringing judgment on the wicked while ensuring the salvation of His people—shows that His power is both just and redemptive. Alexander Maclaren similarly observes, “In the right hand of God lies not only strength but the assurance of victory for all who trust in Him.” To trust in God’s right hand is to rest in the certainty of His ultimate triumph over evil.

This power is fully realized in Christ, as the New Testament confirms. Jesus told the high priest, “You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62, ESV). Here, the “right hand of Power” signifies Jesus’ authority, not just as Savior but as the reigning King who will return in glory. Eugene Peterson explains, “The right hand of God becomes the position where Jesus, fully victorious, intercedes for us. It is the source of unshakable hope.” For believers, this means that God’s power is not distant or abstract—it is present, active, and deeply personal, assuring victory, intercession, and hope in every circumstance.

The Right Hand of Grace

The right hand of God also extends His grace to His people, offering not only strength but the gift of joy and intimate fellowship. Psalm 16:11 declares, “At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” This verse points to the unparalleled satisfaction found in God’s presence—a joy that transcends the fleeting happiness of this world and anchors the soul in eternal delight.

C.S. Lewis captures this beautifully: “The joy at God’s right hand is not just happiness, but a deep, eternal satisfaction found in His presence alone.” This joy is not rooted in circumstances but in the unchanging character of God, who invites His people into communion with Him. Similarly, Charles Spurgeon reflects on the privilege of this invitation: “What higher honor could God bestow than to place us at His right hand, as He does with His beloved Son?” Being at God’s right hand signifies a position of favor, belonging, and love—a reality made possible through Christ.

John Calvin adds depth to this understanding: “To be at God’s right hand is to be upheld and preserved by His grace. It is not earned, but freely given to those who trust in Him.” This grace underscores the unmerited nature of the relationship God offers. We are upheld not by our own efforts but by His steadfast love and mercy. The right hand of God, therefore, is a place where divine grace overflows, drawing us into a life marked by joy, security, and unshakable hope in His eternal promises.

The Right Hand of Redemption

The ultimate expression of God’s right hand is seen in the redemptive work of Christ. Hebrews 1:3 proclaims, “After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” This signifies the completion of Christ’s mission on earth and His exaltation to a position of eternal authority. Timothy Keller highlights the profound significance of this, stating, “The right hand of God is the place of finished work. Jesus’ declaration, ‘It is finished,’ is completed as He takes His seat at God’s right hand.” At the cross, Christ accomplished what no human effort could achieve, and His enthronement ensures the permanence of His victory.

Derek Prince adds, “The cross was not the end but the gateway to the throne, where Christ reigns eternally at the right hand of God.” This truth reframes the crucifixion not as a defeat but as a prelude to Christ’s eternal reign, where He intercedes for His people and rules with divine authority. The right hand of God, therefore, becomes the ultimate symbol of His triumph over sin and death.

Patrick Miller emphasizes how this impacts believers: “Because Jesus is at God’s right hand, we are assured of our salvation, secure in His love, and confident in His justice.” Knowing that Christ sits at the right hand of God gives believers an unshakable foundation for faith. It assures us that salvation is complete, our relationship with God is secure, and His justice will prevail. The redemptive work of Christ at God’s right hand provides not only eternal hope but also daily confidence to live as His redeemed people.

God’s Right Hand in Our Lives

David Guzik notes, “God’s right hand is not just a distant reality; it is a present help. As Psalm 73:23 says, ‘Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.’” This verse beautifully illustrates the intimacy of God’s presence. His right hand is not merely a symbol of His authority but also a personal touch of His care, guiding us through every challenge and uncertainty.

N.T. Wright expands this idea: “To be held by God’s right hand is to be guided, protected, and empowered to live in His kingdom. It is both a comfort and a call to action.” In other words, God’s right hand doesn’t just shield us from harm but also equips and inspires us to fulfill His purposes on earth. This dual role of comfort and empowerment reminds us of our identity as co-laborers in Christ.

Walter Brueggemann reflects on the assurance of this promise, “When we walk through the uncertainties of life, the right hand of God steadies us, reminding us of His unchanging faithfulness.” In a world that often feels unpredictable, the steadfastness of God’s right hand provides a secure foundation, assuring us that we are never left alone. This unchanging faithfulness is not only a reason for personal peace but also a testament to God’s unrelenting commitment to His people. Together, these insights remind us that the right hand of God is always reaching out to strengthen, guide, and uphold us in love.

A Short Prayer

Father God, thank You for the strength, grace, and redemption found in Your mighty right hand. Help us to trust in Your power when we feel weak, to rest in Your grace when we feel unworthy, and to rejoice in Your victory when we feel defeated. Guide us daily with Your right hand, that we may walk in faith and glorify You in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

God’s Infinite Power and Grace

Unveiling the Mystery of the Gospel

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

A Reflection on Ephesians 3

The third chapter of Ephesians offers one of the most awe-inspiring portrayals of God's power and His eternal plan for humanity. Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus, emphasizes the mystery of God's redemptive work, which had been hidden for ages but is now revealed through Christ. As we explore Ephesians 3, we witness God's power at work—uniting all people through the gospel, equipping the church, and transforming lives beyond what we could ask or imagine. 

Through Christ, we have direct access to this power and grace. As Paul writes in Ephesians 3:12, "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." This access to God’s presence is a profound demonstration of His power and love. No longer are we separated by sin, but through Christ, we are welcomed to come before God, not in fear, but in boldness, knowing that we are loved, redeemed, and empowered by His Spirit.

The Mystery Revealed: God’s Eternal Plan

Paul begins this chapter by speaking of a mystery that has now been made known. In Ephesians 3:3-5, he writes, “The mystery was made known to me by revelation... which was not made known to the people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit.” What is this mystery? Paul explains that God’s power is revealed in the inclusion of the Gentiles, once far off from God, into the family of God. Through the gospel, the Gentiles are “heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:6).

This truth was radical in Paul’s day. The barrier between Jew and Gentile was deeply entrenched, but God’s plan was always to bring the nations together through Christ. This mystery, hidden throughout the ages, shows God’s power to unite what was once divided and to break down the walls of hostility that separated people. It reveals that God's saving work is for all people, without distinction, a reality that demonstrates His immense power and grace.

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

Paul speaks of “the unsearchable riches of Christ” in Ephesians 3:8, referring to the boundless grace, wisdom, and love that flow from Christ to believers. These riches are beyond our comprehension, yet they are freely given to all who trust in Jesus. It is through Christ that we gain access to these riches, and through His power, we experience the fullness of God’s love and salvation.

Eugene Peterson, in The Message, paraphrases this verse as, “My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along.” Peterson highlights the idea that God’s plan has always been unfolding, though much of it was hidden until Christ revealed the fullness of His grace.

Charles Spurgeon speaks of the riches of Christ as inexhaustible. He writes, “He who dives deep into the sea of divine love will always find deeper depths still.” For Spurgeon, the riches of Christ are beyond human understanding but ever-present, offering comfort, strength, and joy to those who seek Him. God's power is revealed in these riches, as He continually offers more of Himself to His children.

In proclaiming the gospel, Paul became a messenger of these unsearchable riches, revealing the depth of God’s plan. It’s not just that God’s power is revealed in His ability to save; it is also displayed in the way He enriches our lives through Christ, giving us wisdom, peace, and joy that surpass human understanding.

God’s Wisdom Displayed Through the Church

In Ephesians 3:10, Paul makes a remarkable statement: “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” Here, Paul tells us that God’s power and wisdom are displayed through the church—not just to the world, but to the spiritual realms.

The church, the body of Christ, is not just a community of believers. It is a living testimony of God’s power to reconcile, redeem, and transform. The very existence of the church reveals God’s wisdom and power in bringing diverse people together into one body, united by faith in Christ. In a world divided by race, class, and culture, the church stands as a testament to the power of the gospel to transcend all barriers.

Moreover, this wisdom is displayed to “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,” suggesting that even the spiritual forces are witnessing God’s plan unfolding through the church. This reveals the cosmic scope of God’s power and the central role of the church in His eternal plan.

Strengthened by God’s Power

In the latter half of the chapter, Paul transitions from discussing God’s grand plan to praying for the believers in Ephesus. His prayer is that they would be strengthened with power through the Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). He asks that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith and that they would be rooted and established in love.

Paul’s prayer points to the inward work of God’s power in the life of every believer. This is not merely external strength or worldly power, but the deep, transformative power of the Holy Spirit working within us. God’s power equips us to live the Christian life, to withstand trials, and to grow in love and faith.

Matthew Henry comments on this prayer, noting that it reflects Paul’s desire for believers to experience not just the knowledge of Christ’s love, but the transforming power of that love in their everyday lives. Henry writes, “The indwelling of Christ in the heart by faith is the great foundation of a Christian’s strength and comfort.”

Spurgeon adds that the prayer for inner strength is a call to trust in God’s power rather than our own: “What a mercy it is to be made strong, but to be made strong in the inner man—how much greater the mercy!” Spurgeon emphasizes that God’s power works from within, transforming the heart and soul, equipping believers to endure trials and to reflect Christ’s love in the world.

In verse 19, Paul prays that the Ephesians would “know this love that surpasses knowledge.” This love is beyond intellectual understanding—it is experienced through God’s power at work within us. When we grasp the depth of God’s love, we are “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19). This is a beautiful picture of how God’s power works in our hearts, filling us with His presence and love.

Beyond What We Can Ask or Imagine

Paul ends this chapter with a doxology—a praise of God’s power and glory. In Ephesians 3:20, he writes, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” This verse is a reminder that God’s power is limitless. He can do more than we can ask, think, or even imagine. His power is not bound by human limitations, and He is always working beyond what we can see or comprehend.

Eugene Peterson captures this beautifully in The Message: “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!

This assurance encourages us to trust in God’s power, especially when we face challenges or uncertainties. It reminds us that God is able to do the impossible, and He works in ways that often surpass our understanding. Whether we are struggling with personal difficulties, praying for loved ones, or seeking direction, we can have confidence that God’s power is at work in and through us, doing far more than we can even conceive.

Conclusion: God’s Power Revealed

Ephesians 3 reveals the vastness of God’s power—His power to unite all people through the gospel, to display His wisdom through the church, and to transform lives through the work of the Holy Spirit. This chapter is a celebration of God’s plan, a plan that had been hidden for ages but is now fully revealed through Christ.

As believers, we are invited to live in the light of this power. We are part of God’s grand plan, called to be witnesses of His love and grace to the world. We can trust that God’s power is at work within us, strengthening us, filling us with His love, and enabling us to live lives that reflect His glory.

Let us join with Paul in giving glory to the One who “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). God’s power has been revealed, and through Christ, we are invited to experience it and be transformed by it.

Soli Deo Gloria