“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever”

5:11

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.

Gathered around the throne of God were a countless number of people. This is one great celebration of God’s glory.

5:12

saying with a loud voice:

Jesus receives a seven-fold proclamation of praise from this great throng. They were not timid about their praise–they sang with a “loud voice.”

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

First, the slain Lamb is to receive “power.” Jesus can achieve what He sets out to do. He is effective in what He does. He has the inherent power to do what He does.

Second, Jesus is to receive “riches.” Jesus possesses the resources necessary to give grace. The entire universe belongs to Him.

Third, He is to receive “wisdom.” He has the insight to understand what He needs to do.

Fourth, He is to receive “strength.” He can overcome and execute His will. He has been endowed with power because of His work on the cross.

Fifth, Jesus is to receive “honor.” He deserves public distinction.

Sixth, Jesus should receive “glory.” He manifests God in all His essence.

Seventh, Jesus is to receive “blessing.” Jesus uses His assets to bless others. He is a giver. He does not clasp His possessions to Himself.

5:13

And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:

The chorus of praise extends throughout the universe. Even those who died will worship Him–those “under the earth and such as are in the sea.”

“Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

All creation makes a four-fold statement about the Father and Jesus: blessing, honor, glory, and power belong to Him. Creation finally fulfills the purpose of time and space. The purpose of creation is to manifest the essence of God–to give God glory.

5:14

Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!”

The twenty-four elders respond to this added praise with an “Amen.”

And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever

Heaven is now ready by worship for the events of the Tribulation (chapters 6-19).

Principle:

The purpose of creation is to glorify God’s attributes and actions in time and space.

Application:

This scene in heaven is a striking contrast to the scene that follows in chapters 6 to 19. In heaven, there is worship, contentment, and bliss. On earth, there is terrible tribulation.

Paul said to go to heaven and be with Christ is “far better” (Philippians 1:23). Not just better–far better. We do not believe that now. We do not appreciate the eternal until we lose someone we love. The most important thing about heaven is that we will meet the Lamb, who is “worthy.” The object of praise in heaven is the death of Christ for our sins. That is what summons these songs of praise in this chapter.