Friday, December 27’s devotional. Revelation 5:11-12 paints a vivid picture of heavenly worship: “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands. They said with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!’” This scene encapsulates the essence of worship—a response to the gospel message of Jesus, the Lion of Judah and the Lamb who was slain.
Mark Penrith explains, “The worship of the King in Psalm 98 is because the Lion of the tribe of Judah is the Lamb who was slaughtered for our sin.” Jesus, as the Lamb of God, bore the punishment we deserved, reconciling us to God through His sacrifice. “You want to know why we worship Jesus? Because of who He is—God, the LORD, Yahweh—and because of what He has done,” Mark emphasizes.
This dual image of Jesus as both Lion and Lamb is deeply significant. As the Lion of Judah, Jesus fulfills the promise of a King who reigns with justice and power (Revelation 5:5). Yet as the Lamb, He embodies humility and sacrificial love, taking away the sin of the world (John 1:29). This combination of majesty and meekness invites worship that is both reverent and joyous.
Such worship aligns with the Benoni Baptist Church’s principle of proclaiming the gospel: “We will proclaim the gospel believing this to be the means whereby sinners are convicted of sin and brought to salvation.” When we worship, we declare the truth of the gospel, joining the heavenly chorus in giving glory to the One who saves.
Today, let the gospel shape your worship. Reflect on the words of Revelation 5:12 and consider the cost of your redemption. Mark challenges us to respond: “Shout, cheer, celebrate, and sing” in gratitude for what Christ has done. Share this good news with someone, or write a prayer of thanksgiving for your salvation.
Prayer: Worthy are You, Jesus, the Lion and the Lamb. Thank You for redeeming me through Your sacrifice. Help me to live a life of worship, declaring Your glory to the world. Amen.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.