The Throne of Heaven - Revelation 4:1-7:17

The Throne of Heaven - Revelation 4:1-7:17

Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain.

Revelation is primarily a book of worship.  While it may be many things, one of the first things we recognize is that is is a book about worshiping God in the midst of trial and tribulation, of praising Him in the midst of the storm.  This throne-room vision is filled with songs, hymns, and spiritual songs of praise to God.  (Words which have been taken and set to music--making some of the most timeless worship music.)

I find it particularly interesting to note that according to the songs, the Lamb (Jesus) is worthy because He was slain.  In 5:9, we read: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain."

In a culture built on wealth, power, and influence, it seems counter-intuitive to suggest that worthiness comes about through brokenness.  Our tendency is to expect leaders to be strong, not vulnerable.  We want a slick veneer, not transparency.  We desire perfection, not brokenness.

And yet, the path toward true healing always comes through brokenness and vulnerability. It is through weakness that Christ's strength is made perfect.  It is through confession that we find forgiveness.  It is through brokenness that we are made whole.

Don't be afraid of the pain and brokenness in your life.  Instead of trying to cover it with a mask or a fake veneer, offer it to God as an act of worship.  Ask Him how He might use your brokenness to bring glory to His Name.

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise;
God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—
and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are.

                            - I Corinthians 1:27-28