Apocalipse 5
Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
Apocalipse 5
Spurgeon asked, “Why should our exalted Lord appear in His wounds in glory?” His reply: “The wounds of Jesus are His glory.” Typically, the symbol of a lamb does not represent power and victory. Most people prefer symbols of strength that invite admiration. Yet God chose to be incarnated as a baby born into a poor carpenter’s home. He lived as an itinerant preacher and died “as a lamb to the slaughter” (Isa. 53:7) on a Roman cross. Everyone, including His disciples, thought that His crucifixion spelled the end of the One who had dared to defy the established religious order of His day. But when Jesus Christ rose from the dead, He demonstrated mightily God’s incomparable power and glory. The day is coming when Jesus will return in glory to rule what is rightfully His. On that day, all will bow before Him and say, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev. 5:12). Jesus, the Lamb who is also the Lion, deserves our praise! By: C. P. Hia Every knee in heaven is bending To the Lamb for sinners slain; Every voice and harp is swelling— “Worthy is the Lamb to reign!” —Deck To honor our King, His praises we sing. Lion Of Judah Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed. — Revelation 5:5 Today's Scripture: Isaiah 31:1-5 The lounging lions in Kenya’s Masai Mara game reserve looked harmless. They rolled on their backs in low-lying bushes. They rubbed their faces on branches as if trying to comb their magnificent manes. They drank leisurely from a stream. They strode slowly across dry, scrubby terrain as if they had all the time in the world. The only time I saw their teeth was when one of them yawned. Their serene appearance is deceiving, however. The reason they can be so relaxed is that they have nothing to fear—no shortage of food and no natural predators. The lions look lazy and listless, but they are the strongest and fiercest of all. One roar sends all other animals running for their lives. Sometimes it seems as if God is lounging. When we don’t see Him at work, we conclude that He’s not doing anything. We hear people mock God and deny His existence, and we anxiously wonder why He doesn’t defend Himself. But God “will not be afraid of their voice nor be disturbed by their noise” (Isa. 31:4). He has nothing to fear. One roar from Him, and His detractors will scatter like rodents. If you wonder why God isn’t anxious when you are, it’s because He has everything under control. He knows that Jesus, the Lion of Judah, will triumph. By: Julie Ackerman Link When fear and worry test your faith And anxious thoughts assail, Remember God is in control And He will never fail. —Sper Because God is in control, we have nothing to fear. The Rest of Our Story Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, . . . has triumphed. Revelation 5:5 Today's Scripture & Insight: Revelation 5:1–10 For more than six decades, news journalist Paul Harvey was a familiar voice on American radio. He would say with a colorful flair, “You know what the news is, in a minute you’re going to hear the rest of the story.” After a brief advertisement, he would tell a little-known story of a well-known person. But by withholding until the end either the person’s name or some other key element, he delighted listeners with his dramatic pause and tagline: “And now you know . . . the rest of the story.” The apostle John’s vision of things past and future unfolds with a similar promise. However, his story begins on a sad note. He couldn’t stop crying when he saw that no created being in heaven or on earth could explain where history is going (Revelation 4:1; 5:1–4). Then he heard a voice offering hope in the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” (v. 5). But when John looked, instead of seeing a conquering lion, he saw a lamb looking like it had been slaughtered (vv. 5–6). The unlikely sight erupted in waves of celebration around the throne of God. In three expanding choruses, twenty-four elders were joined by countless angels and then by all of heaven and earth (vv. 8–14). Who could have imagined that a crucified Savior would be the hope of all creation, the glory of our God, and the rest of our story. By: Mart DeHaan What fears and sorrows do you have that need the hope found in Jesus? How does thinking of Him as both the conquering Lion and the sacrificial Lamb help you worship Him? Almighty God, You deserve all power, praise, and love. Learn more about how to read the book of Revelation. James Smith - THE LAMB AND THE BOOK Revelation 5 I. The Book (Rev 5:1–4). Note... a. Not the book of life—that is already the Lamb’s. b. It is the Book of Judgment—the book of the secret acts of God. c. Note. 1. IT IS A SEALED BOOK. Its secrets known only to God. a. In Daniel 12:1–3 we read of the Great Tribulation. But Daniel is not permitted to do more than make known that fact, not the particulars. Hence Dan. 12:4. b. The Book is about to be unsealed and particulars made known. c. But even John is not allowed to reveal all he saw (Rev. 10:4). 2. IT IS A COMPLETED, FILLED UP BOOK. а. It was written on both sides. b. Therefore no space for further writing. c. It contained the whole counsel of God. d. The designs and methods of God during the Great Tribulation are fixed and made a matter of record, and this record is known to none but Himself. 3. IT IS A BOOK TO BE ONLY OPENED BY ONE WORTHY. a. The possession of God’s secrets is a privilege conditional on personal worthiness. b. No one was found worthy either in Heaven or earth. c. Does the fact of the unworthiness of man cause us to weep? 4. THE BOOK— a. Of Life. A register of names (Rev. 3:5). b. Of Works. A register of works (Rev. 20:12). c. Of God’s Judgments. A register of God’s punishments (Rev. 5.). II. The Lamb (Rev 5:5; 6). 1. The SUPREMACY of the Lord Jesus. “In midst.” 2. The PRE-EMINENCE of the Lord Jesus. 3. The POWER of the Lord Jesus. 4. The WISDOM of the Lord Jesus. Seven Horns. Completeness of strength. Seven Eyes. Completeness of wisdom. 5. The MINISTRY of the Lord Jesus. 6. The KINGLINESS of the Lord Jesus. 7. The UNIQUENESS of the Lord Jesus. “Root of David” (a son father of his father). 8. The WORSHIP of the Lord Jesus. III. The New Song. Song of Redemption. 1. PRICE. Blood. 2. OBJECTS. “Men of every,” etc. 3. PURPOSE. “For God.” 4. RESULT. Kings and priests. 5. GLORY. Only to Lord. Norman Geisler - REVELATION 5:5—Will Jesus come again as a Lion or a Lamb? PROBLEM: In this prophecy, Jesus is depicted as a Lion, the king of beasts. This fits with the fact that He will come as King to reign over all the earth (Rev. 19–20). However, the main symbol of Christ in the Book of Revelation is the Lamb, mentioned some 29 times. SOLUTION: It is clear that both figures of speech are appropriate to Christ’s second coming. John even speaks of the “wrath of the Lamb” (Rev. 6:16). While at His first coming Jesus was “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), nonetheless, He will return as a wrathful Lamb. Why? Because He who died for the sins of the world has the right to execute judgment on those who reject His death for their sins (John 5:22,27+). The only safe place to flee in the judgment is where God’s judgment already fell—on the Cross. Those who do not take refuge in the Lamb who took the wrath of God for them (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21+) will experience the wrath of the Lamb on them. The figure of a lamb, then, is an appropriate symbol of the love of a just God who is executing His judgment on those who reject Him. (BORROW When critics ask : a popular handbook on Bible difficulties) Robert
Apocalipse 5
Spurgeon - Golden vials full of odours - In prayer the people of God declare better than they could by any other means their sure belief that God is, for should we pray to One who has no existence? Our prayer to God is, therefore, our continual assertion that ‘The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God.’ Our asking for special and particular mercies, and expecting them, is a declaration of our belief in a living God, a conscious God, an acting God, a God who is not asleep and far away, but who is near at hand listening to human voices and able to fulfil human desires. This, then, is very agreeable to God that we should believe and testify ‘that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ What if I were to say that prayer is in itself essentially a doxology? It is an utterance of glory to God in his attributes. Do I ask him to bless me? Then I adore his power, for I believe he can. Do I ask him to bless me? Then I adore his mercy, for I trust and hope he will. Do I ask him to bless me because of such and such a promise? Then I adore his faithfulness, for I evidently believe that he is truthful and will do as he has said. Do I ask him to bless me not according to my request, but according to his own wisdom? Then I adore his wisdom; I am evidently believing in his prudence and judgment. When I say to him, ‘not my will, but thine, be done’, I am adoring his sovereignty. When I confess that I deserve to suffer beneath his hand, I reverence his justice. When I acknowledge that he does right evermore, I adore his holiness; and when I humbly say, ‘Nevertheless, deal graciously with thy servant and blot out my transgressions,’ I am reverencing his grace. We do not wonder, therefore, that through Jesus Christ the prayers of the saints should be precious to God. (Full sermon Golden Vials Full of Odours) Sing He has put a new song in my mouth. —Psalm 40:3 Today's Scripture: Revelation 5:8-14 The skillful orator Robert Ingersoll devoted his talents to undermining the Christian faith. It is sad that in his dynamic lectures he so effectively employed sarcasm and humor to twist the truth to gain converts to unbelief. When he died, the brochure for his funeral service carried this statement: “There will be no singing.” That certainly was appropriate for one who denied the reality of an afterlife. But singing is in order at the funeral of a Christian, even though eyes may be wet with tears. Death ushers the believer into that land of unimaginable glory and beauty where countless angelic and human voices join together in exultant praise, their hallelujahs filling heaven with mighty harmonies. With good reason, then, we can sing even if we don’t have good voices. And we can sing no matter what our circumstances. If we are enjoying life, we can sing songs of praise (Jas. 5:13). If we are suffering affliction, we can follow the example of Paul and Silas. After being beaten and imprisoned, they prayed and sang hymns (Acts 16:25). In all circumstances of life, Christians can sing. And our singing on earth is just a rehearsal for our participation in heaven’s jubilant praise. By: Vernon Grounds I will praise my dear Redeemer, His triumphant power I'll tell, How the victory He giveth Over sin and death and hell. —Bliss If you're in tune with heaven, you'll have a song in your heart. Sing Of Your Love I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever. —Psalm 89:1 Today's Scripture: Revelation 5:8-14 I was driving to work and listening to a local Christian radio station. Amid the usual morning banter came the song “I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever.” I have no idea what came over me. As soon as this uplifting praise song began, I felt tears running down my face. There I was, almost at work, and I could hardly see to drive because of a song. What was going on? I sat in my car after I arrived at my destination, trying to figure it out. Then it struck me. The song reminded me that while another day of normal activity was beginning here on earth, my daughter Melissa was fulfilling the ultimate hope of that song in heaven. I pictured her brightly singing of God’s love—getting a head start on the rest of us in that forever song. It was a bittersweet moment of understanding Melissa’s joy while being reminded again of our sadness in not having her with us. Much of life is like that. Joys and sorrows intermingle—making reminders of God’s glory so vital. We need those glimpses of a promising praise-filled future in our Savior’s presence. In the sadnesses of life, we need the anticipation of joy—the joy that comes from singing of God’s love and enjoying His presence forever. By: Dave Branon The saints of all ages in heaven sing praise With voices and harps to the Ancient of Days; No music on earth with that sound can compare, Yet in that vast chorus our voices will share. —D. De Haan Those who know Christ now will sing His praises forever. Singing And Prayer [They] fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense. —Revelation 5:8 Today's Scripture: Revelation 5:1-10 In our Bible-study group, we were examining the first five chapters of the book of Revelation. We spent time talking about the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders who sang a new song when they heard that the Lamb was worthy to open the seven-sealed scroll (Revelation 5:9-10). One member of our group asked, “What is the significance of the objects they held in their hands? Why a harp and a bowl?” We learned that since Old Testament days, the harp has been an instrument of worship. Psalms were often sung to the accompaniment of a harp, by choirs of priests and the congregation. The golden bowls, saucer-like pans filled with incense, sent up an aroma that was pleasing to God. The rising smoke represented prayer—the prayers of the saints rising up to the Lord. Singing and prayer are integral parts of the Christian’s worship experience, both public and private. The two are often linked in Scripture. We may have a scratchy voice or sing off-key, but through song and prayer we can express our adoration to Almighty God. What about your times alone with God, and your public worship? Let them include both a harp and a bowl—worshiping the Lord with singing and prayer. By: David C. Egner Meet the Savior in the morning, Kneel in quietness to pray; Lift your heart in praise and worship At the opening gates of day. —Adams A heart aflame with worship begins with the kindling of song and prayer. Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. BGT Revelation 5:9 καὶ ᾄδουσιν ᾠδὴν καινὴν λέγοντες· ἄξιος εἶ λαβεῖν τὸ βιβλίον καὶ ἀνοῖξαι τὰς σφραγῖδας αὐτοῦ, ὅτι ἐσφάγης καὶ ἠγόρασας τῷ θεῷ ἐν τῷ αἵματί σου ἐκ πάσης φυλῆς καὶ γλώσσης καὶ λαοῦ καὶ ἔθνους KJV Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; NET Revelation 5:9 They were singing a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals because you were killed, and at the cost of your own blood you have purchased for God persons from every tribe, language, people, and nation. CSB Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slaughtered, and You redeemed people for God by Your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation. ESV Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, NIV Revelation 5:9 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. NLT Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song with these words: "You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. NRS Revelation 5:9 They sing a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; NJB Revelation 5:9 They sang a new hymn: You are worthy to take the scroll and to break its seals, because you were sacrificed, and with your blood you bought people for God of every race, language, people and nation NAB Revelation 5:9 They sang a new hymn: "Worthy are you to receive the scroll and to break open its seals, for you were slain and with your blood you purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation. YLT Revelation 5:9 and they sing a new song, saying, 'Worthy art thou to take the scroll, and to open the seals of it, because thou wast slain, and didst redeem us to God in thy blood, out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, MIT Revelation 5:9 They sang a new song: Worthy you are to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain. And for God you purchased by your blood those from every tribe, tongue, people, and ethnicity. sang: Rev 7:10-12 14:3 Ps 33:3 40:3 96:1 98:1 144:9 149:1 Isa 42:10 Worthy are You: Rev 5:2,3 4:11 for: Rev 5:6,12 13:8 purchased for God: Rev 14:4,6 Mt 20:28 26:28 Ac 20:28 Ro 3:24-26 1Co 6:20 7:23 Eph 1:7 Col 1:14 Tit 2:14 Heb 11:14 1Pe 1:18,19 2Pe 2:1 1Jn 1:7 2:2 from every tribe and tongue and people and nation: Rev 7:9 Rev 11:9 Rev 14:6 Da 4:1 Da 6:25 Mk 16:15-16 Col 1:23 Related Passages: Revelation 7:9+ After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands....14I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 14:6-7+ And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.” (COMMENT- I LOVE THIS PASSAGE AS I THINK IT EXPLAINS THE "GREAT MULTITUDE WHICH NO ONE COULD COUNT" THAT CAME OUT OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION BECAUSE IF ONE STUDIES THE CHRONOLOGY OF THE REVELATION, IT IS VERY LIKELY THIS ANGELIC ANNOUNCED GOSPEL OCCURS AT THE MIDPOINT OF THE 7 YEARS, AT THE INCEPTION OF THE HORRIBLE GREAT TRIBULATION. IN THE MIDST OF THE GREATEST WRATH IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD THERE WILL BE ONE OF THE GREATEST HARVESTS OF SOULS! HOW GOOD IS OUR GOD!) 1 Peter 1:18-19+ knowing that you were not redeemed (lutroo) with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. THE GREATEST PURCHASE IN ALL ETERNITY AT THE GREATEST PRICE The transfer of the scroll from the Father to the Son unleashes (it is yet to occur) what is likely one of the greatest outpourings of praise in all eternity. With this transfer weeping ended (full stop) and praise began (full start)! And they sang a new (kainos) song (cf Rev 14:3+), saying, "Worthy (axios) are You to take (lambano) the book (biblion) and to break (anoigo - open) its seals (sphragis) - Sang is present tense which would suggest continuous singing. A new (kainos) song is one that is brand new and has never been heard or sung before (the main sense is new in quality, rather than new in time). In context, it has to be new because no one had been worthy to take the book from the right hand of the Father until Jesus accomplished that task. When in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song; 'Twill be the same old story That I have loved so long. -- A. Catherine Hanky John
Apocalipse 5
Spurgeon - Jesus, the Delight of Heaven The redemption they sing about in heaven is not general redemption. It is particular redemption: ‘thou … hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.’ They do not speak of the redemption of every tongue, people and nation, but of a redemption out of every tongue, people and nation. I thank God I do not believe that I was redeemed in the same way that Judas was, and no more. If so I shall go to hell as Judas did. General redemption is not worth anything to anybody, for of itself it secures to no one a place in heaven: but the special redemption, which does redeem men out of the rest of mankind, is the redemption that is to be prayed for, and for which we shall praise God for ever and ever. We are redeemed from among men. ‘Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.’ He ‘is the Saviour of all men,’—let us never deny that—but ‘specially of those that believe.’ There is a wide far-reaching sacrificial atonement which brings untold blessings to all mankind, but by that atonement a special divine object was aimed at, which will be carried out, and that object is the actual redemption of his own elect from the bondage of their sins, the price being the blood of Jesus Christ. May we have a share in this particular, efficient redemption, for this alone can bring us where they sing the new song. This redemption is one which is personally realised. Redemption is sweet but ‘thou … hast redeemed us’ is sweeter still. If I can only believe he ‘loved me, and gave himself for me’, that will tune my tongue to sing Jehovah’s praise. We Are Family Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. — Ephesians 4:3 Today's Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-13 Teammates of the late Willie Stargell called him “Pops” because of his leadership both on and off the baseball field. In 1979, when Stargell led the Pittsburgh Pirates to their second World Series title, the team was nicknamed “The Family” because of their close relationship. “We won, we lived, and we enjoyed as one,” Stargell said. “We molded together dozens of different individuals into one working force. We were products of different races, were raised in different income brackets, but in the clubhouse and on the field we were one.” Does that describe us as followers of Christ? When God’s family assembles in heaven, it will include believers “out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). What a wonderful gathering that will be! Until then, we are instructed “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). How can we do that? By living “with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love” (v.2). As Christians, we are incredibly different and diverse. But we are family. Our heavenly Father calls us to lay aside prejudice, self-interest, and pride as we work toward a supernatural unity that honors Him. — David C. McCasland We're members of God's family When we accept His Son; The Spirit gives us unity And love for everyone. —Hess Christ creates unity in the midst of diversity. Heaven’s Love Song We love him because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 Today's Scripture & Insight: Revelation 5:1–13 In 1936, songwriter Billy Hill released a popular hit song titled “The Glory of Love.” Before long a nation was singing about the joy of doing even little things out of love for one another. Fifty years later, lyricist Peter Cetera wrote a more romantic song with a similar title. He imagined two people living forever, knowing together they did it all—for the glory of love. Revelation, the last book in the Bible, describes a new love song that will someday lift the voices of everyone in heaven and earth (Revelation 5:9, 13). The music begins, however, in a minor key of mourning. John, our narrator, cries, seeing no answer to all that has gone wrong with the world (vv. 3–4). But his mood brightens and the music builds to a crescendo (vv. 12–13) as John learns the real glory and story of love. Soon he hears all creation praising the powerful Lion-King of Judah (v. 5), who has won the hearts of His subjects by lovingly sacrificing Himself, like a Lamb, for our rescue (v. 13). In the most moving lyrics ever sung, we see why even simple acts of kindness rise on the wings of a song. The glory we sing about reflects the heart of our God. We sing about Him because He gave us our song. By: Mart DeHaan Father, please help us to see that even the smallest acts of love and kindness can remind us of Your love for us. In what ways can you thank God today through simple acts of kindness? The Artist's Dream You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation. — Revelation 5:9 Today's Scripture: Revelation 5:1-10 Rita Snowden wrote a book in 1937 titled If I Open My Door. In it she described a congregation that was planning to build a new place of worship. Central to its sanctuary would be a stained-glass window depicting children worshiping Jesus. The congregation hired an artist to paint a picture of the proposed window. He fulfilled the assignment, and that night he dreamed he heard a noise in his studio. Going to investigate, he saw a stranger altering his picture. He cried out, “Stop! You’ll ruin it.” But the stranger answered, “You have already ruined it.” The intruder then explained that the children’s faces had all been one color, but he was using many colors. When the intruder said that he wanted children of all nations and races to come to him, the artist realized he was talking to Jesus Himself. In a world where racial differences often lead to separation and conflict, it’s imperative that Christians work for unity and peace. Jesus went to the cross to bring salvation to people of every nation (Revelation 5:9). Our witness and our fellowship must go beyond the barriers that have historically divided the human family (Romans 1:16; Galatians 3:28). Do we reflect Jesus’ love for all people? By: Vernon Grounds Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world; Red and yellow, black and white, They are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world. —Anon. Jesus loves all people, not just the ones who look like you. For Sale— ”As Is” For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood. —Revelation 5:9 Today's Scripture: Revelation 5:1-12 A house listed for sale “As Is” usually means the seller is unable or unwilling to spend any money to repair it or make it attractive. Any necessary repairs or desired improvements are the responsibility of the buyer after the purchase is complete. “As Is” on a real estate listing is equivalent to saying, “Buyer beware. Home may require significant further investment.” How remarkable that when Jesus died, He paid the highest price for each of us, regardless of our condition. Revelation 5 describes a scene in heaven where only “The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David” is found worthy to open and read a sealed scroll (vv.3-5). He appears as a Lamb and becomes the object of praise in a new song, “For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth” (vv.9-10). Jesus Christ willingly purchased us for God with His blood. We were bought “as is,” faults, defects, needed renovation included. By faith we are now under His ownership, in the process of remodeling for God’s glory. How wonderful that God knew us, loved us, and bought us just as we are.By: David C. McCasland Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed it white as snow. —Hall God knows us inside and out. No renovation project is too big for Him. A Massive Celebration Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth. — Psalm 96:9 Today's Scripture: Revelation 5:6-14 We all love to have someone tell us, “Hey, great job. I appreciate you.” And if several people tell us we are doing something right, that’s even better. God loves the praise of His people too, and He truly deserves it. Our most important work on earth is to exalt Him (Psalm 96:9), “that in all things God may be glorified” (1 Peter 4:11). It’s our responsibility and privilege to worship, love, exalt, and serve the Lord. Revelation 5:9-13 tells of a future day in heaven when believers from “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” who have been redeemed by Jesus’ blood will surround His throne with praises. All of those individuals—multiplied over the millennia—add up to a mind-boggling congregation of God-glorifying people. God’s greatness is so overwhelming, so unfathomable, and so indescribable that millions and millions of people—all praising Him and bowing before Him in worship—will give Him the glory He deserves. Even now, each of us can participate in celebrating God’s majesty by glorifying Him with our lives. And one day we will join with people from every nation in that massive heavenly celebration. By: Dave Branon Sing praise to God who reigns above, The God of all creation, The God of power, the God of love, The God of our salvation. —Schütz We have all eternity to praise God—begin today. Paid By The Judge You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood. — Revelation 5:9 Today's Scripture: Revelation 5:1-14 An Indianapolis Superior Court judge made news when she paid $1 of her own money to post a burglary suspect’s bail. The judge became personally involved for several reasons: The suspect had no money. He had no prior criminal record. The jail was overcrowded. And minimal bond had to be set so that a deputy could be assigned to escort the suspect to a work-release center to wait for trial. The judge’s actions, however, were not above criticism. She was accused of losing her objectivity, so she removed herself from the case. Jesus has also become personally involved in the lives of those who are scheduled to stand before His court. He sacrificed His life and shed His blood as payment for the sins of the world. But His actions cannot be criticized. Instead, as Revelation 5 describes, praise for Christ will someday occur around the throne of God. The halls of eternal justice will resound with the voices of angels praising the Judge who is worthy to judge the world—because of the personal price He paid (v.12). Jesus did not compromise justice—He fulfilled it when He paid for our sin. Our Savior and Judge deserves our endless praise. By: Mart DeHaan By grace now I'm saved—Hallelujah! Praise God, and through faith it's been done; Naught of myself, but believing In the finished work of His Son. —Gladwin The Judge who declared you guilty also paid your penalty. When the Whole World Sings They sang a new song, saying . . . with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 5:9 Today's Scripture & Insight: Revelation 5:8–14 A commercial jingle of the 1970s inspired a generation. Created as part of Coca Cola’s “The Real Thing” ad campaign, a British group called The New Seekers eventually sang it as a full-length song that climbed to the top of music charts around the world. But many will never forget the original television version sung by young people on a hilltop outside of Rome. Whimsical as it was, with visions of honeybees and fruit trees, we resonated with a songwriter’s desire to teach the world to sing with the heart and harmony of love. The apostle John describes something like that idealized dream, only vastly greater. He envisioned a song sung by “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them” (Revelation 5:13). There’s nothing whimsical about this anthem. Nothing could be more realistic than the price paid by the One to whom this song is sung. Neither could there be anything more foreboding than the visions of war, death, and consequence that His sacrifice of love would have to overcome. Yet this is what it took for the Lamb of God to bear our sin and defeat death, overcome our fear of death, and teach all heaven and earth to sing—in perfect harmony. By: Mart DeHaan What gives you cause to sing? What happens to your heart and mind when you embrace John’s vision of every created being singing in united praise of the Lamb and His love? Father in heaven, please help me to sense the wonder of what You’ve done to give me a song that can be sung in joy by everyone and every living creature. P G Matthew - Revelation 5 speaks of our Kinsman-Redeemer Jesus Christ, who redeemed us and set us free forever from our slavery to sin and Satan by paying a ransom. Mark 10:45 tells us, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Sin no longer has dominion over us; the devil cannot harm us. We have been set free! What was the ransom price paid for our release? Peter tells us: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Pet. 1:18–19). Paul said the same thing to the elders of the church of Ephesus: “Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). What was the purpose behind this purchase? We are told, “With your blood you purchased men for God” (v. 9). God did not redeem us so that we can be autonomous and unaccountable. No, we have been purchased for God, meaning we belong to God, and we are to obey him because we are his inheritance and portion. We are a peculiar people, a people of God’s own possession (1 Pet. 2:9). The Lord has redeemed us so that we may serve him, our new master, with great delight forever. Paul understood this and explained to the church at Corinth: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Cor. 6:19–20). We are told these people were purchased “from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Notice, Jesus did not purchase all men without exception, but he did purchase people from all nations and backgrounds without distinction. The church is an international body, without national, political, cultural, or racial distinction. Jesus Christ accomplished redemption for all those given to him by the Father to save, and they shall reign with him forever. Related Resource: Kinsman-Redeemer - The Goel Revelation 5:10 "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth." BGT Revelation 5:10 καὶ ἐποίησας αὐτοὺς τῷ θεῷ ἡμῶν βασιλείαν καὶ ἱερεῖς, καὶ βασιλεύσουσιν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς. KJV Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. NET Revelation 5:10 You have appointed them as a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." CSB Revelation 5:10 You made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth. ESV Revelation 5:10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth." NIV Revelation 5:10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." NLT Revelation 5:10 And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth." NRS Revelation 5:10 you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth." NJB Revelation 5:10 and made them a line of kings and priests for God, to rule the world. NAB Revelation 5:10 You made them a kingdom and priests for our God, and they will reign on earth." YLT Revelation 5:10 and didst make us to our God kings and priests, and we shall reign upon the earth.' MIT Revelation 5:10 You established them for our God, as a kingdom populated by priests. And they will rule over the earth. kingdom: Rev 1:6 Rev 20:6 Rev 22:5 Ex 19:6 1Pe 2:5-9 they will rule: Rev 20:6 Da 7:18,27 Related Passages: Exodus 19:6+ and you (ISRAEL) shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.” Revelation 1:6+ and He has made us to be a kingdom, (KJV = "hath made us kings and") priests to His God and Father–to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 20:6+ Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign (basileuo) with Him for a thousand years. Revelation 22:5+ And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign (basileuo) forever and ever. 2 Timothy 2:12+ If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; Romans 8:17+ (CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST) and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. 1 Peter 2:5+ (HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF BELIEVERS) you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. OUR FUTURE AS KINGS AND PRIESTS You have made (poieo) them to be a kingdom (basileia) and priests (hiereus) to our God (theos) - Made them is better understood as appointed them (as poieo is used in Mk 3:14). Have made functions like a prophetic aorist. In other words John describes this appointment in the past tense (as if it had already happened) because this future event is so certain to happen. The KJV has basileus (instead of basileia) which means king. THOUGHT - Brethren beloved by God, (1Th 1:4+), what should this great prophetic promise do to our hearts in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation in which we now live (see Php 2:15+)? That's basically a rhetorical question of course. This great truth should strengthen our faith and encourage our hearts and motivate us walk in a manner worthy of the Lord to please Him in all respects (Col 1:10+), knowing, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that "our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior (WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR WILL RADICALLY IMPACT WHO WE ARE LIVING FOR), the Lord Jesus Christ; Who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." (Php 3:20-21+) This truth calls for a loud "Hallelujah!" And they will reign (basileuo) upon the earth (ge) - Note John does not say on the New Earth or in the New Jerusalem, which is significant for passages like this that specifically state upon the earth are support for the 1000 year reign of Christ on earth (Rev 20:4-6+)! If you do not believe that you will reign in the Millennium, that's fine. You can sit in the "bleacher seats" while your fellow saints sit on the thrones! Even though the text does not say "new earth," the ESV Study Bible note still makes the following comment - "The first heaven and earth, stained by the curse through human sin, will be replaced by a new (or fully renewed) heaven and earth (Rev 21:1, 4) in which Christ’s saints will reign in righteousness (2 Pet. 3:13)." If you do not believe in a literal 1000 year reign, you are forced to make this comment, but it is indeed "forced" because the text does not say "new heaven and earth." As good Bereans (Acts 17:11+), we must always let the text speak (literally) for itself before we listen to other voices!