Worthy is the Lamb

A Reflection on Revelation 5:12-13

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength

and honor and glory and praise!”

— Revelation 5:12 (NIV)

In this heavenly vision, all creation declares the worthiness of Jesus, the Lamb who was slain. His worth is not based on worldly power, but on His sacrificial love. William Barclay reminds us, “The triumph of Christ was the triumph of suffering love.” Unlike rulers who seek dominance, Christ reigns because He gave Himself for others.

This worship is not passive or sentimental—it is a bold declaration. Eugene Peterson, in Reversed Thunder, writes, “The songs of heaven are not sentimental; they are defiant acts of witness. To sing ‘Worthy is the Lamb’ in a world that exalts power and cruelty is to declare allegiance to a different kingdom.” Worship is an act of resistance. It means standing against the world’s values and aligning ourselves with Christ’s kingdom of love, humility, and justice.

Alexander Maclaren reminds us, “The history of the world moves toward this one point: the universal acknowledgment of Christ’s glory.” One day, every creature will join this song. But we don’t have to wait—we can live in worship now. True worship is more than singing; it is a life surrendered to Christ. Richard Foster writes, “The more we behold Christ in worship, the more we become like Him.”

Let us not wait for heaven to honor the Lamb. May our lives, choices, and love declare His worthiness each day.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are worthy of all honor and praise. In a world that values power, help me stand for Your kingdom of love and truth. May my worship be a witness, not just in song, but in how I live. Align my heart with heaven’s song, declaring Your worthiness in all I do. To You be praise, now and forever. Amen.