The song of angels in the Book of Revelation resonates with all Christians all the time but especially at Easter. “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise” (Rev.5:12). The curtain of heavenly mystery is rolled back in John’s vision. The question is being asked, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” There is silence in heaven. No one steps forward. No one in the universe is worthy to open the scroll and look inside it. Then, Jesus the lamb comes and takes the sealed scroll of judgments and the angels break forth in song, “Worthy is the Lamb”.
Jesus was worthy to open the sealed scroll because he is the sacrificial lamb who took our sins upon himself and died on our behalf. He is worthy because He is the Son of God sent by the Father to die for our sins. He is worthy because He was without sin. He is worthy because he was victorious in every battle fought with Satan. He is worthy because he was slain and rose from the grave victoriously.
Acknowledging that Jesus and Jesus alone is worthy, there are many people who do not feel worthy to serve God. We can easily identify with John the Baptist who said of Jesus, “He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:27). The prodigal son who wasted his inheritance and returned to his father said, “I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”
It is useless for anyone to think that they are worthy to serve God. That would be arrogance at the highest level. God does not call us into his service because we are worthy. He calls us into service because of His love, grace and forgiveness. We are made worthy by acknowledging our sins, repenting and accepting God’s forgiveness. Let’s face it, God has only redeemed sinners to call upon to do his work. Paul fully acknowledged that fact and said, “We always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that he will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith” (2 Thessalonians 1:11) In Colossians 1:9-11 Paul wrote, “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.
We are worthy to serve the Lord not because of our deeds but because God qualifies us. When we repent of our sins and accept Him as Lord and Savior He forgives us, redeems us and qualifies us. Why then should we hesitate to serve Him?
In His Love, Charles
