If its not worth doing, then don't do it!
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If its not worth doing, then don't do it! |
     
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Worthy Is The Lamb Revelation 5: 1-14
Chapter five is a continuation of the vision in the throne room from chapter four. Both of these chapters should be seen as introductory to all that follows after. The only thing that changes in this chapter is the focus which now falls on the second Person of the Trinity, our Lord Jesus Christ. This chapter begins with a scroll in the right hand of the Father. This scroll symbolizes God's eternal plan. We should note that History is not just a haphazard connection of chance happenings or encounters. Luke writes in Acts 15: 18 about the things "that have been known for ages." This idea is echoed in Isaiah 46: 10 where God states "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come." We see that the whole course of future events and the whole arrangements of the ages to come are determined by God. He has left nothing out of His plans that should be there and His purposes are incapable of any failure in execution or any improvement. His plans and purpose are perfect as He Himself is perfect. There are no unforeseen contingencies and nothing is left unprovided for. That is why there is writing on both sides, which is unusual for a scroll; here, this fact indicates completeness. Yet John's vision shows that scroll sealed up. It is hidden and it is secret until He determines to reveal it. And as we see from John's reaction, if it remains unopened it also remains unfulfilled! Therefore a mighty Angel thunders forth the question: "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" Throughout all creation there was silence! No created being steps forward. We see here the essential humility of the created order! None are qualified to govern the world or bring in the everlasting Kingdom. Here is the invitation, here is the challenge. We might even say that the gauntlet has been thrown down. Here is the chance for those who think they are something, to prove themselves. But no one in either heaven nor earth steps forward. None of the multitudes of Angels step forward, neither is their any earthly power available for the task. No man, no politician, no prime minister or president, no banker or industrialist, no philosopher, no pope or bishop, no revolutionary hero is fit either! Even in the momentous silence Satan and his fallen demons remain quiet. This moment in John's vision should cause us to ponder deeply the nature of the millennic era! I do wish my Post-millennial friends would read this challenge and rethink their abilities to usher in a political kingdom dedicated to righteousness. I would also challenge our Pre-millennial friends to consider the inability of Satan to direct the course of human events either. This verse puts creation firmly in its place. There is none to answer the challenge. No, not one in the created order. As this realization sinks in, John begins to cry. If no one is found worthy, God's plan will remain sealed in eternity. If it remains closed there will be no protection for God's children in the hours of bitter trial. There will be no judgments upon a persecuting world. There will be no new heaven and earth, there will be no future inheritance. Consider this fact carefully for a second: a world without hope, a worldly existence without end. What a terrible existence, who would dare to speak out for freedom, or for faith if there were no hope? For what reason would freedom fighters in Rumania step out to challenge their government. For what reason would our troops be hunting down a dangerous drug Lord in Panama, if there were no hope for a better future? People without hope sit down and die, they do not struggle, they do not contend with the world. But we see in the next verse that there is indeed Hope! Our Lord Jesus Christ has accomplished everything for us and for His creation. One of the elders in the vision points out the Christ as being the one who is worthy. "See the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David" he says. It is He who has triumphed. It is He who "is able" to open the scroll and its seven seals." Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is our Christ. Worthy is He who was promised, who came, who died and rose again. Notice what John now sees in verse six. He who is the great strong lion is also the Lamb of God who was led to the slaughter for sinners. He has conquered, but not through force of arms or argument, not by warring or tearing His enemies apart, but by being slain. As we shall see in verse nine, He has conquered by His blood. The image of seven-fold horns speaks of His power and authority. The seven-fold eyes demonstrate that He was and is filled with the Holy Spirit of God. Therefore by God's might and power and by His Spirit, Jesus Christ will execute God's historic plan. God will now govern the universe through the Lamb. That is Christ's reward and our comfort. This passage means that there is a new millennic era in heaven and also on earth. And that era is after His death and resurrection. Jesus Christ is now Lord and King over the Father's universe. This passage should encourage you in every trial and trouble. God has placed Jesus Christ upon the throne and His triumph is certain. Like John we are encouraged not to cry. If Christ is King you should not weep in the face of your great trials and troubles, your heartaches and afflictions. Every one of them is written in that scroll in the right hand of the One seated upon the throne. The purpose of these troubles is for your refining. The Lord would sanctify you and purify His Church. Remember the same hands that were nailed to the cross for your sins, these same hands unfold your life's story day by day, and they do it with unerring wisdom and unfailing love within God's purpose. Remember also that being called to Christ brings with it responsibilities on your part. God has a promise and a plan to fulfill and you as a child of God are a part of that plan. This fact should encourage you in your walk and witness within Christ's Church. This fact should call forth our thanks and our praise. Let us continue with the chapter to see the proper reaction to the Kingship of Christ. "Worthy is the Lamb" is the theme of the praise and it is He who all heaven and earth gives the worship due His glorious Name. As John closes this portion of his vision he records the songs of heaven. The theme of the first song is this: "Worthy is the Lamb". In this song the Lamb is worshiped in several ways. First, He is worshiped as Mediator. Since only He was found worthy to take the scroll and break the seals, we see that He is the key to all God's purposes. Truly He is the Alpha and the Omega. He alone reveals God to man and brings man to God. The Apostle Paul declares that "there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave his life as a ransom for all men." (1 timothy 2: 5-6). The Apostle Peter echoes the idea "Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God" (1 Peter 3: 18). Jesus Christ is the way, the only way into heaven. This winter I have had occasion to drive into the little village of Zanesfield after dark. Just south of town there is a ski-resort. Their hill is brightly lighted at this time of year. And with the lights the hill seems magnified and as you drive down into the valley, that hill stretches up towards heaven. It makes a grand vision. A vision rather like the ladder that Jacob saw way back in the beginning of the Old Testament. From the distance there are literally many ascending and descending and the ordering of the lights gives the appearance of steps. A couple nights ago the young lady who painted our Church sign went out with her pencils and paints to record the view for a paid assignment. She was all set up and suddenly the vision disappeared. There was a local power outage and the resort was shut down for the night! She was upset because she tends to put things off and her assignment was due the very next day! Do you see in Jesus the Lamb that was slain, do you see that He is worthy of glory and praise? Do you see that God has a plan for His universe? Will you accept the idea that He has a plan for your life as well? When he opens the scroll what plan is there for you? Remember Jesus Christ is the only certain stairway to heaven. This is the truth that the living creatures and the elders are singing about. This song arises from the humbling and thrilling realization that everything depends upon Christ's work. Without His work, we should have no knowledge of God, no salvation and no hope.. The great London Pastor of the last century, C.H. Spurgeon remarks on this passage with these words: "No one else can go in for us to the august presence of the Most High, and take the title-deeds of grace into His hand on our behalf; but Christ can do it, and taking it He can unfold it and expound to us the wondrous purpose of electing love towards the chosen ones." Will you see it, or will you be like my friend who went looking for the ski-slope on the night when the lights went. If you wonder what it is you should see, let us move on to the second cause for worship in John's vision which celebrates Christ as our Redeemer. We see the words "with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. Please note that this is not a universal redemption! Some are chosen from all tribes and peoples. If you are being chosen and being saved you will notice that your heart is being quickened and that the words of Scripture will take on new meaning in your mind. That is the power of the Holy Spirit working to bring you to Salvation. Are the spiritual lights on for you today? Do you see that we who were lost and guilty sinners have been purchased for God with the blood of Jesus. Jesus not only reveals God's plans for the salvation of sinners, but He has actually come into the world to save sinners. He has not merely proclaimed God's offer of salvation; He has provided salvation through His blood and sacrifice. We come now to our last phrase in this heavenly hymn. See verse ten. "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." Our Lord Jesus Christ does indeed have a kingdom and a way. And our role is much like that of the lights on that ski-slope in Zanesfield. Our job is to show people the way to heaven. Our spiritual lights are here to show others the way. Out there in the world people are wandering in darkness. They are traveling a weary road. And just as weary skiers travel from miles around to find Mad River Mountain, just so are their hearts quickened by the vision of people ascending and descending so that they can hardly wait to put on their skies. How does the world view our light? Do they see our work, do they hear our worship and praise of the Lamb? Do they hear our hymn: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain"? To Him, let us give worship. To Him, let us give honor. To Him, let us give glory. To Him, let us give praise. To Him and to the Lamb upon the throne, let our knees and hearts bow down in humble worship. May it be so in your heart and lives. Amen.
Christ Covenant REFORMED (Presbyterian Church in America) Box 13926 -- Columbus, OH 43213 Rev 05b 24 December 89
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