“Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang:
‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor
and glory and praise!’ “
Revelation 5:11-12
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The number of angels singing with one voice around the throne is mind boggling. If my multiplication is correct, more than one hundred million angels were singing loudly together in unison, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain!” The volume would have been undoubtedly overwhelming to John’s ears.
There is a term used to designate recognition of someone who died in an honorable mission or achievement: posthumous. When a person gives up their life on behalf of another individual or in service to others, those who are left behind rightfully grieve. But there is a sense of special meaningfulness in a sacrifice for a greater cause.
One could state that Jesus was being recognized posthumously, because His death was the ultimate sacrificial death, not just for one or a limited number of people, but for everyone. But unlike memorials for those who have fallen, Jesus is alive and victoriously heralded as deserving of power, wealth, wisdom, honor, glory, and praise!
These accolades are superlative beyond our ability to understand, because of the One being acclaimed. How could anyone appropriately receive this degree of adulation? No created being could, but only One who had been designated Savior before the foundation of the world.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- How does the worship by the angels of Jesus as the Lamb inspire your worship?
- What is the message conveyed by Jesus being repeatedly pictured as the Lamb?
- Specifically, how do you express your praise to Jesus?
Church Reading Plan: Isaiah 15; 1 Peter 3