Revelation 5, Worth It

Objectives

• Congregants will see that a lifetime of service to Jesus is worth it.
• Congregants will see that only Jesus is worthy.

Introduction

• What does it mean to say something is valuable? There is a saying, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I want to tell you that, for the most part, value is somewhat similar. We live in a world in which value or worth is something that is determined by someone. Have you ever thought about it. What makes these two pieces of paper different (compare a 20 dollar bill to an equivalent piece of paper) In a very real sense, you get to determine value or worth. Many of you will open presents in a few days, and I dare say that for mpst of you, the value of that present will not be consistent with the price someone paid. Consider the ring on my finger, this ring is extremely valuable. Yet, I think we spent a whole $30 on my ring.

Main Body

Setting the Stage

• In Revelation 4 John is participating in a kaleidoscope of worship.

• John sees things he can't even describe.

• John hears words, "holy", "worthy".

Main Proposition

As Christians we need to worship this Christmas with an eye to that time when we will worship in heaven.

Worthless (Luke 2:1-7)

Ordinary by Earthy Standards (2:1-5)

• We see both Mary and Joseph heading for Bethlehem for the census. Joseph's ancestral home was Bethlehem and apparently Mary accompanied Joseph. Perhaps they knew that the Messiaih was to be born in Bethlehem? Regardless what we have is Jesus, born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” The point is that Bethlehem was not the capital, and these visitors were nothing special coming from Nazareth. If you or I had passed them on the trail we would certainly have thought nothing of the trip.

Not Even Worth a Room (2:6-7)

• In verse 7, Luke describes Jesus as προτοτοκον that is first born. Today modern hospitals provide all the works for a new mother. Mary had none of that.
• We also see that there was no room for them in the inn or guest room.

This Christmas we need to worship Christ who in humility became as if worthless.

Worthless (Revelation 5:1-4)

The Heavenly Measuring Stick (5:1-2)

• We are given the chance to see an event playing out in heaven.
• The scroll with seven seals pictures a piece of parchment rolled up with seven seals. Possibly the seals are arranged throughout the scroll so that as each seal is broken a little more of the scroll can be read.
• We see a question, who is worthy?

All Found to be Unworthy (5:3-4)

• In verses 3-4 we see that no one is worthy
  • Abraham
  • Isaac
  • David
  • Peter
  • Paul
  • John Calvin
  • Martin Luther
  • No king
  • No dictator
• John responds by weeping. The natural response to our complete and utter worthlessness is initially sorrow.

We need to recognize that, without Christ, everything/everyone we know is worthless.

Worthy (Revelation 5:5-7)

The solution to sorrow over our unworthiness (V. 5)

• The solution to our sorrow at our unworthiness is Christ.

Contrast: The Lion of Judah presented as a Lamb (V. 6)

• The Lion - The lion is a picture of victory, kingship, and the right to rule. Jesus is King. The picture of the lamb reminds us of Christ's second coming and sovereign judgement.
• The Lamb (According to Goerge Hilman, the lamb analogy is used 28 times in Revelation). The lamb is what John sees. specifically, Jesus was introduced as the lion but is seen as the lamb. John notes that the lamb still had the appearance of one who had been slain. Perhaps John is noting the scars from crucifixion?

We further see seven horns and seven eyes.

• • Seven denotes completeness.
    • Horns symbolize strength
    • The seven eyes we are told represent the seven spirits of God which is likely a metaphor for completeness. In other words, we are seeing Christ, fully God.

The only response, worship (V. 7)

• As we look at this picture a few things stand out. Jesus is the one who is worthy and he is worthy as both the Lion and the Lamb. It is perfectly appropriate. We should celebrate the lamb and we should celebrate the lion. Jesus came as man, died as a lamb but as a lion defeated death, will come again and will judge.

This Christmas don't forget that Jesus is both Lion and Lamb.

Worthy (Revelation 5:8-14)

The Heavenly Measuring Stick (5:8-10)

• Why is he worthy?
  • Death
  • Redemption
  • Creation of kingdom of priests

Heavenly Worship (5:11-12)

• In verses 8-10 the praise focusses on what Christ did, now the praise focusses on what Christ is worthy of:
  • Power - The idea here is supernatural ability. "The core idea of this term is the ability to do something." From Star Wars to Alladin, we have a fascination with the idea of unlimited power. The idea here is that Christ alone is worthy of the ultimate power.
  • Riches - or wealth. The idea here is that of abundance, or having plenty. The Greek word is πλουτος which can be either litteral abundance of earthly possession or metaphorical abundance of any kind.
  • Wisdom - The standard word σοφια is used here. "Refers to the quality of having knowledge, skill, and experience in the sense of mastery over a particular subject or trade through practice and learning."
  • Strength - or might refers to the "capability to function effectively, strength, power, might"
  • Honor - refers to the act of showing reverence or respect.
  • Glory - again the standard word for glory δοξα is used here and carries the idea of splendor, brightness, might, and praise with it.
  • Blessing - The idea behind the word for blessing is also praise.

Universal Worship (5:13-14)

• Verses 8-10 featured the 24 elders, in verses 11-12 the angels joined in, now in verses 13-14 we see the addition of every creature.
• We see the ascription of all creation
  • Blessing
  • Honor
  • Glory
  • Power
• We see them ascribed to both God and the Lamb

This Christmas, don't forget who we are celebrating.

Conclusion

• Is Jesus worth it? Yes, why because he is worthy. Why is he worthy? Will you join me in worship to the one who is worth it?

NKJV

Ingrid Spellnes Faro, “Strength,” ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

R. P. Nettelhorst, “Wisdom,” ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

William Arndt, Frederick W. Danker, and Walter Bauer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 484.