Revelation 5 (NIV)
Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.”
11 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. 12 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!”
13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!” 14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
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Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
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August 29th, 2008 at 7:48 am
I won’t even pretend to understand half of this, but that last section hit me. First there were 28 worshiping Jesus with a fresh, new song. Then, another 100,000+ angels join in singing. Can imagine every person in Soldier Field singing to God with one voice? And, finally trillions of creatures sing the final chorus in unison. Wow!
Some of my highest points with God have been in large worship gatherings, but nothing could prepare me for that. Pouring our hearts out together to God in abandoned worship brings joy and honor to God in a special way. While I often focus on worshiping God with my daily life, there is still something special about corporate worship too.
August 29th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I agree with you Bill. When I am at a place with thousands worshiping God together, I often just listen - it is the most amazing feeling!
I also like that you said worshiping God with your daily life - not in your life but WITH it. God, please help me worship you with my actions, thoughts, and words!
August 29th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I keep thinking of the Women of Faith conference when the speaker sang Jesus loves me. When she ended her speech she asked us to sing with her and the entire place sang …no music just our voices. It was so simple and yet soo beautiful. All those women quietly yet loudly worshiping God. It was AWESOME!