In Revelation 5, at the heart of heaven’s throne room, John saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain. The most awesome of the angels fell down before the Lamb and as they fell, they sang a new song.
“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”
In heaven, there is no doubt as to why Jesus died. God’s own Son died to ransom captives from the bondage of sin. This Savior laid down his life to gather people from every tribe, language, people-group, and nation. This King humbled himself so that a diverse group of image-bearers might be remade into a new kingdom. This Lamb, provided by God himself, was slain so that the ransomed citizens of his kingdom might worship their Redeemer for eternity.
In heaven, there is no doubt as to why Jesus died. May there be no doubt in our minds while we remain on this earth. Men and women of every tribe, language, people-group, and nation have been united by the gospel.
For Thy church that evermore
lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore
her pure sacrifice of love,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise. (Folliott Pierpoint)
When this Lamb appeared in the throne room of heaven, John writes,
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Rev 5:13)
For those with eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand, Creation continues to glorify the Creator today. Birds are glorifying God by flying. Deer are glorifying God by running. Worms are glorifying God by digging. Whales are glorifying God by swimming. Tulips are glorifying God with the colors of Spring.
What will you add to Creation’s chorus today?