Worthy is the Lamb

A Reflection on Revelation 5:12-13

In a loud voice they were saying:

‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength

and honor and glory and praise!

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth 

and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

be praise and honor and glory and power,

for ever and ever!

Introduction: The Great Chorus of Heaven

Revelation 5:12-13 presents a breathtaking vision of worship in the throne room of heaven. This passage answers a profound question posed earlier in Revelation 5:2: “Who is worthy to open the scroll?” The response is clear—Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain, is the only one worthy.

His worthiness is not based on earthly conquest or human strength but on His sacrificial love and obedience to the Father, culminating in His death and resurrection. In a world that glorifies dominance, Jesus reigns by humbling Himself.

This moment of worship is not just a future event—it is a present reality that should shape our daily lives. The worship in heaven is not a private, quiet act but a universal and loud declaration of allegiance to Christ’s eternal kingdom.

Worship as Resistance

Eugene Peterson, in Reversed Thunder, makes a striking observation:

“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.”

Worship is an act of resistance. It is a bold declaration that Christ alone is worthy, even when the world seems ruled by greed, injustice, and violence.

In this reflection, we will explore:

1. Why Jesus is worthy

2. The universal call to worship

3. The deeper meaning of worship as work (avad)

4. How this vision of worship shapes our daily lives

1. The Worthiness of the Lamb: The Paradox of Power and Sacrifice

In human history, worthiness is often associated with power, wealth, and status. But in God’s kingdom, true worthiness is found in humility, obedience, and sacrifice.

The Lamb’s Seven Great Possessions

William Barclay, in his commentary, explains that the song of the living creatures and elders focused on Christ’s work in His death, but the song of the angels speaks of Christ’s possession in His glory. The Risen Lord possesses seven great attributes:

1. Power – “Christ the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). He is not one who can plan but never achieve; to Him belongs the power. We can say triumphantly of Him: ‘He is able.’

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). 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 has the wisdom to know the secrets of God and the solutions to the problems of life.

4. Strength – Christ is the strong one who disarms the powers of evil and overthrows Satan (Luke 11:22). There is no situation He cannot overcome.

5. Honor – The day will come when “every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:11). Even those who are not Christian often honor Christ by recognizing that His teachings alone offer hope to this 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). To say that Jesus possesses glory is to affirm His divinity.

7. Blessing – All these things Jesus possesses, and He does not clutch them for Himself—He uses them to serve humanity. Therefore, the redeemed rise in thanksgiving for all He has done.

Jesus does not hoard these attributes. Instead, He uses His power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing for our benefit. He gives freely, and in return, the redeemed respond in worship and gratitude.

Reflection Question:

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

2. Universal Worship: Every Creature Joins the Song

The worship of the Lamb is not limited to heaven—it expands to every creature in the universe.

Revelation 5:13 paints a picture of universal praise, including all beings in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.

A New Vision for the Dead

Barclay notes that in the Old Testament, the dead were believed to be cut off from God:

• “In death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise?” (Psalm 6:5)

• “For Sheol cannot thank you, death cannot praise you” (Isaiah 38:18)

But Revelation 5 presents a radically new vision. The reign of the Risen Christ extends even to the dead. Not even the grave is beyond His rule!

This is a powerful reminder that Christ’s victory is complete. No force in heaven, on earth, or under the earth can silence the song of the redeemed.

Reflection Question:

• How does knowing that all creation will worship Christ affect how you live today?

3. Worship as Our Supreme Work: The Meaning of Avad

In Hebrew, the word for worship (“avad”) can also be translated as work or service.

Key Biblical Passages on “Avad”:

• Exodus 8:1 – “Let my people go, so that they may worship (avad) me.”

• Joshua 24:15 – “As for me and my household, we will serve (avad) the Lord.”

• Genesis 2:15 – “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work (avad) it and take care of it.”

This reveals that worship is not just an event—it is the way we live. Worship includes our work, our service, and even our daily responsibilities.

Reflection Question:

• How does viewing worship as work and service change your daily life?

4. Worship as a Way of Life: Living in the Light of Revelation 5

Eugene Peterson writes:

“Revelation is not a book about the future; it is a book about the present. It reveals what is happening behind the scenes even now: Christ reigns, and worship is the most fundamental reality of the universe.”

If worship is the heartbeat of heaven, it should also be the rhythm of our lives.

John Wesley encourages:

“Begin and end each day with the song of the Lamb upon your lips, and let no task be too small or mundane to be done for His glory.”

Reflection Question:

• How can you incorporate worship into the ordinary moments of your day?

Conclusion: Joining the Song of Heaven

Revelation 5:12-13 is not just a vision of the future—it is an invitation for today. Christ is worthy—not just in heaven, but in our hearts, our choices, and our worship.

May our lives echo the song of heaven:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain… To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are worthy of all honor and praise. Help me to see my work, my service, and my daily life as worship. May my life declare Your worthiness, not just in words, but in action. Align my heart with heaven’s song, declaring Your worthiness in all I do. To You be praise, now and forever. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria