Sunday, May 4, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Revelation 5:11–14

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing,

“To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might
forever and ever!”

And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the elders fell down and worshiped. (NRSV)

Reflection

The final book of the New Testament, Revelation, is probably not one to which most of us turn for daily inspiration and comfort. It may seem fascinating, but also inscrutable. The exact identity of Revelation’s author (John) is disputed, but, as a deeply religious man, he strongly prophesies the victory of “the Lamb” (Christ) over the evils of the world, using mysterious imagery and symbolism.  

In verse 12, heavenly angels assert that the slain Lamb now has “power, wealth, wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory and praise,” thereby reminding us of the risen Christ. Furthermore, the writer links God the Father with Jesus the Son, albeit in subtle phrasing: “To him [God] who sits on the throne and to the Lamb [Jesus] be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” One can imagine how difficult it was in the early days of Christianity to grasp this basic concept of what we, in the twenty-first century, consider as foundational to our belief in the Trinity.

So, we ask, “Why is this passage part of the lectionary reading?” And why is the book of Revelation in the New Testament canon? One response: an erudite and convicted early Christian, John, speaking in a way his contemporaries would find convincing, gave powerful testimony to his beliefs. Provocative, curious, admirable — perhaps worth delving more into a writing that challenges us to dig more deeply into what we believe and, perhaps, what we proclaim, or say, or mumble, when asked.

Prayer
Lord God, help me understand better my unbelief or skepticism and help me express, even proclaim, my belief — like John. Amen.

Written by Rebecca Dixon, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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