Declaring Allegiance to the Lamb
Eugene Peterson, in Reversed Thunder, makes a striking observation about worship:
“The songs of heaven are not sentimental; they are defiant acts of witness. To sing ‘Worthy is the Lamb’ in a world that exalts power and cruelty is to declare allegiance to a different kingdom.”
This insight reframes worship not merely as an expression of devotion but as a form of resistance against the world’s values. Worship is not passive—it is a bold declaration that Christ alone is worthy, even when the world seems ruled by greed, injustice, and violence.
1. Worship Challenges the World’s Power Structures
The world often measures power in terms of control, wealth, and force. Political leaders, corporate executives, and military powers operate under the assumption that strength comes from dominance. But the song of Revelation 5 stands in opposition to these assumptions.
• The Lamb was slain (Revelation 5:12)—His power is rooted in sacrificial love, not coercion.
• He receives all honor and glory (Revelation 5:13)—not through conquest, but through humility.
• He is worshiped by every creature (Revelation 5:13)—His kingdom is not built on oppression but on the redemption of all things.
In a world that glorifies violence and self-promotion, worshiping the Lamb is a radical act of defiance. It declares that Jesus, not the rulers of this age, holds ultimate authority.
Example: The Early Church’s Resistance Through Worship
The early Christians understood worship as resistance. In the Roman Empire, citizens were required to declare, “Caesar is Lord.” Refusing to do so was seen as treason. But the early church boldly proclaimed:
• “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9)—a direct challenge to the empire’s claim to authority.
• The Book of Revelation was written to persecuted Christians who were suffering under Roman rule. John’s vision reminded them that Caesar’s power was temporary, but Christ’s reign is eternal.
To worship Jesus as the slain Lamb was to reject the empire’s demand for loyalty. It was an act of courage that often led to imprisonment or martyrdom.
Reflection Question:
How does worship today challenge the power structures of the world?
2. Worship Resists the Idolatry of Money and Materialism
In a culture obsessed with wealth, worship reminds us that true riches are found in Christ.
William Barclay, in his commentary, highlights the second attribute given to Jesus in Revelation 5:12—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). There is no promise that Jesus Christ has made that he does not possess the resources to carry out. There is no claim on him which he cannot satisfy.”
The world tells us that success is measured by accumulation—bigger houses, higher salaries, and more possessions. But worship shifts our perspective:
• Jesus left the riches of heaven to redeem us (Philippians 2:6-8).
• True wealth is found in knowing Him (Ephesians 1:18).
• Our treasure is in heaven, not in earthly possessions (Matthew 6:19-21).
The Worship of Money vs. Worship of the Lamb
Jesus warned in Matthew 6:24:
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
When we worship Christ, we are rejecting the idolatry of money. We are declaring:
• Christ is enough—we don’t need to chase after material wealth for security.
• Giving is greater than hoarding—we are stewards, not owners.
• Eternal riches outweigh earthly treasures—we live for something greater than financial success.
Reflection Question:
How does worship challenge the idol of materialism in your life?
3. Worship Resists the Culture of Fear and Despair
The world is filled with fear:
• Fear of the future
• Fear of suffering
• Fear of loss
• Fear of death
But worship reminds us that Jesus reigns. When we declare, “Worthy is the Lamb”, we are proclaiming:
• Jesus is in control—no matter what happens in the world.
• His victory is secure—even when circumstances seem uncertain.
• Hope is found in Him—not in governments, money, or personal achievements.
Example: Worship in Times of Persecution
During the Protestant Reformation, believers often faced imprisonment or execution for worshiping in their own language rather than following the state-imposed rituals. For them, worship was an act of defiance against religious oppression.
• The Scottish Covenanters sang Psalms as they were led to execution.
• Bonhoeffer and the Confessing Church in Nazi Germany refused to bow to Hitler’s ideology, worshiping Christ as the only true King.
• Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned for his faith in Communist Romania, said: “Alone in my cell, I danced for joy because I knew Christ was with me.”
Even today, in countries where Christianity is persecuted, believers gather in underground churches—risking their lives to worship the Lamb.
Reflection Question:
How does worship help you resist fear and trust in Christ’s victory?
4. Worship Resists the Self-Glorification of Man
The world glorifies self. Social media, entertainment, and culture promote:
• Self-promotion—“Build your brand.”
• Self-importance—“You are the center of the universe.”
• Self-reliance—“You don’t need anyone else.”
But worship redirects our focus away from self and onto Christ.
The Contrast: Worship of Self vs. Worship of the Lamb
The world says:
• “Make a name for yourself.”
• “Chase after your dreams at any cost.”
• “You deserve all the glory.”
But worship says:
• “To Him belongs the honor” (Revelation 5:13).
• “Not to us, Lord, but to Your name be the glory” (Psalm 115:1).
• “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
True worship humbles us. It reminds us that we are not the center of the universe—Christ is.
Reflection Question:
How does worship help you resist pride and self-glorification?
Conclusion: Worship is a Revolutionary Act
Worship is not just a spiritual exercise—it is a revolutionary act that:
• Challenges world power—Christ, not earthly rulers, reigns.
• Rejects materialism—our treasure is in Him.
• Defies fear—we trust in His victory.
• Opposes self-glorification—all honor belongs to the Lamb.
This is why Satan fights against worship—because true worship is an act of war against the kingdom of darkness.
Call to Action: Worship as a Daily Resistance
• When you feel overwhelmed by world’s power - worship.
• When you are tempted by wealth—worship.
• When you are afraid—worship.
• When pride creeps in—worship.
Every time we declare, “Worthy is the Lamb”, we are resisting the world’s pull and aligning ourselves with heaven’s song.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You alone are worthy of all honor and praise. In a world that exalts power, wealth, and pride, help me to worship You with my whole life. Let my worship be an act of resistance against fear, greed, and self-glory. May my heart always declare, ‘Worthy is the Lamb!’ Amen.
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