Honor, Glory, and Power, For Ever and Ever

And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.  And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.  In a loud voice they sang: “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, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. (Revelation 5:8-14, NIV 1984)

My Musings – It is interesting to contrast this doxology with the earthly life of Christ. His enemies said He was worthy of death (John 19:7), while the angels say He is worthy of praise. Men accused Him of working by the power of Satan (Matthew 12:24), but the angels say He is worthy of divine power. He became poor for our sakes (2 Corinthians 8:9), but He deserves all riches. “The preaching of the cross is foolishness” to sinful man (1 Corinthians 1:18), but it is wisdom to the angels. On earth, Jesus was “crucified in weakness” (2 Corinthians 13:4), but in heaven He is lauded for His power. Dishonored on earth, He is honored in glory. Made a curse on the cross, He is today both the recipient and bestower of blessing. 

After the angels completed their praise, all of creation joined to honor the Lord Jesus Christ. “Every creature” suggests that all creation anticipates the redemption that will come when Christ finally asserts His rights as heir over the enemy and establishes His kingdom.

My Advice – When you contrast the praise that Christ receives in heaven as He takes the scroll with most earnest praise that He receives from us here on earth, it illustrates how meager our praise for Him is. We need to do better. He is worthy of better.

Sources:

Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament (p. 811). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.