There is probably no other book in the whole of the Bible that has received anymore attention and been the subject of greater speculation and outlandish interpretation than the book of the Revelation of JESUS CHRIST; which was given to John. In the midst of counting the hairs on the horse’s tail and numbering the branches on the fig tree, the real subject of the book is often overlooked. I don’t claim to be able to define or even completely understand much of what is written therein but it seems quite clear, to me, that the most important lesson that can be gained from this Revelation is the unequivocal testimony of the supreme and utter majesty and triumph of the eternal LAMB of GOD who is presently seated on the throne of HIS Kingdom. Regardless of what else we might gain by a study of this book, if we miss the Revelation of HIS glory, we have failed to comprehend the purpose of it.
There may indeed be references to events that may yet unfold in the Earth, (upon which I will not speculate). Yet, it is certain that, the reason for knowing these things is primarily for the purpose of reassuring the saints of the finality and certainty of CHRIST’s victory over sin, Satan, and death. Much of what is recorded in its pages (in my unworthy opinion) is a record of events that have already transpired which serve to illustrate the purpose of the FATHER in sending HIS only begotten SON into this world.
To become mired in the details of this book, apart from worshipping the LION of the Tribe of Judah, is to be unable to see the forest for the trees. We have no desire to add to the words of the prophecy of this book nor to detract there from. We firmly believe that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Rev 19:10) and we are content to speak of nothing but HIM as we examine the unfolding saga which is revealed in its pages.
Therefore, we rejoice with great delight when HE is described in the fullness of HIS glory and the exhibition of HIS power and ability to manifest all that is necessary to be the REDEEMER of that bride which HE has loved from before the foundation of the world. It is no wonder then that John saw an innumerable host magnifying HIM with the highest of praises and a “loud voice.” Oh, who can be silent when HE is pleased to appear in HIS resplendent glory as that LAMB which liveth forever to make intercession for those whom HE has redeemed with HIS own blood.
One cannot read this book of Revelation (with true understanding), and not be convinced of the centrality of the SACRIFICIAL work of the REDEEMER. Surely this is but the demonstration of that very truth which Paul testified to the Corinthians that he would not deviate from. “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1Cor 2:2) This is the sole subject which occupies the praises of the redeemed in all ages; and there is no greater platform from which HE is pleased to exhibit HIS right to rule forever and to manifest the glory of HIS NAME in the display of HIS grace and enduring mercy to the sons of GOD.
Therefore, let us examine what the multitude of worshippers which John saw, declared that the LAMB was worthy to receive. The first was “power”. CHRIST HIMSELF declared unto HIS disciples just prior to HIS ascension; “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Mat 28:18) HE possessed “power” from the beginning and demonstrated it throughout HIS life and ministry upon the earth. “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.” (Mat 9:6) HE bestowed HIS power upon HIS disciples. “he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (Mat 10:1) HE walked day by day in this power.” “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee:” (Luke 4:14) HE spoke with great authority. “And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.” (Luke 4:32) HE had power to destroy both soul and body. “ Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell.” (Luke 12:5) HE had power over HIS own life and death. “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” (John 10:18)
Now we could go on with many examples of HIS power which HE possessed in HIS days upon the earth. Yet the “power” of which this multitude speaks is that which is bestowed upon HIM in the establishment of HIS kingdom and that place which HE occupies forever as the REDEEMER who has triumphed over death, led captivity captive and given gifts unto men. “Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.” (Luke 22:69) HE has made HIMSELF manifest, not merely as JESUS of Nazareth, but, as, the only begotten SON of GOD who is ONE with the FATHER. “His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”(Isa 9:6)
They said HE is worthy to receive “riches”. There is nothing that men can bring to HIM which HE does not already possess. Even as HE testified unto the Psalmist; “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” (Psa 50:10) HIS worthiness to receive riches is first foreshadowed by the gifts which were brought to HIM by those wise men from the east whom the LORD enlightened to HIS glory and caused them to bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh to lay at HIS feet. Yet those gifts which HE most delighted in were the two mites given by the poor widow and the tears of the woman who bathed HIS feet. These are the “riches” of HIS kingdom. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psa 51:17)
They said HE is worthy to receive “wisdom”. Solomon is renowned as the epitome of wisdom among the sons of men. Yet ONE who is “greater than Solomon is here”. Even as a child HE displayed “wisdom” which caused the doctors of the temple to marvel. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:” (Psa 111:10) HE tasted death, like every man, in the room and stead of HIS people. HE “was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.” (Heb 5:7-8)
They said HE is worthy to receive “strength”. HE is “as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.” (Psa 19:5) “Who for the joythat was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb 12:2) Indeed it is HE who has trod the winepress of GOD’s wrath alone and obtained eternal redemption by HIS own strength. “And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.” (Isa 63:5) “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Neh 8:10)
They said HE is worthy to receive “honor and glory”. “We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” (Heb 2:9) “His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.”(Psa 21:5) HIS honor is made most manifest in that work of REDEMPTION for which HE formed the world to display. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” (John 16:13-14) While HE is worthy of honor and glory at all times, simply by the fact that HE is GOD, yet HE is pleased to receive HIS greatest honor from the lips of those who have been made to see the glories of HIS redemptive work by the SPIRIT of GOD who is sent from heaven to guide them into all TRUTH.
And finally, they said HE is worthy to receive “blessing”. HE is the ONE who has “blessed” HIS people with the gift of faith. Thus they in turn desire to bless HIM forever. “Most blessed, most glorious, the ANCIENT of DAYS, ALMIGHTY, victorious, THY great NAME we praise.” “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psa 34:1) “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” (Psa 103:1)