May. 4, 2025 - Worthy is the Lamb

In the rhythms of the Christian calendar, we find ourselves in the season of Easter - a time of reflection on the risen Christ and His continued presence in our lives. This period invites us to look at Jesus through fresh eyes, seeing beyond the familiar stories to grasp the profound implications of His lordship.

As we journey through this season, we're reminded of the unique way Christians organize time. Our calendar begins with Advent, a season of preparation for Christ's coming - both remembering His birth and anticipating His return. It concludes with Christ the King Sunday, bookending our year with reminders of Jesus' sovereignty. This liturgical calendar, born from the 1968 Vatican II gathering, shapes our identity as followers of Christ, guiding our reflections and worship throughout the year.

One of the beautiful aspects of this calendar is the lectionary - a three-year cycle of Scripture readings that expose us to the breadth of God's Word. It challenges us to engage with parts of the Bible we might otherwise overlook, reminding us that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

Today, we turn our attention to a passage from one of the more enigmatic books of the Bible - Revelation. Often approached with trepidation due to its vivid imagery and apocalyptic themes, Revelation actually offers profound encouragement for believers facing adversity.

Revelation was written to early Christians enduring intense persecution under the Roman Empire, particularly during the reign of Emperor Nero. In a world where declaring "Jesus is Lord" could result in death not just for individuals but for entire households, believers needed reassurance that their faith was not in vain.

The challenge these early Christians faced was reconciling their belief in Jesus - a carpenter from Nazareth who died a criminal's death - with the claim that He, not Caesar, was the true Lord. How could this seemingly powerless figure trump the might of Rome?

Enter the powerful imagery of Revelation 5, where Jesus is portrayed as the Lamb on the throne. This paradoxical image brilliantly captures the essence of Christ's power through sacrifice. Like an innocent lamb, Jesus appeared weak and vulnerable. Yet this Lamb is seated on the throne of heaven, surrounded by countless multitudes, including myriads of angels and elders, all worshiping Him and declaring:

"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" (Revelation 5:12)

This vision serves as a cosmic affirmation of Jesus' lordship, encouraging believers to hold fast to their faith despite earthly appearances. It reminds us that true power often comes wrapped in unexpected packages, and that God's strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

As we reflect on this message today, we must ask ourselves: How does it apply to our lives, where saying "Jesus is Lord" rarely comes with dire consequences? Our challenge is not overt persecution but a more insidious enemy - comfort and complacency.

C.S. Lewis, in his satirical masterpiece "The Screwtape Letters," offers a chilling perspective on this danger. In the book, a senior demon advises a junior tempter that the best way to lead humans astray is not through hardship, but through ease and comfort. By making life smooth and unchallenging, demons can lull people into a state of practical atheism - living as if God doesn't exist, even while professing belief.

This "wide path" of comfort, with no sudden turns or sharp stops, gradually erodes our reliance on God and our awareness of our need for Him. We become like the church in Laodicea, described in Revelation 3:17: "For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked."

The question we must grapple with is this: Does our faith cause us to sacrifice? Are we willing to embrace discomfort for the sake of following Jesus? This doesn't necessarily mean facing persecution, but it might involve:

1. Wrestling with difficult theological concepts to deepen our understanding of God.

2. Serving others sacrificially, even when it's inconvenient.

3. Making choices that prioritize our faith over worldly comfort or success.

4. Engaging in regular self-examination to identify areas where we've grown complacent.

The image of the Lamb on the throne reminds us that our God is not a distant, uninvolved deity, but One who entered into the messiness of human existence. He experienced weakness, suffering, and death - yet emerged victorious. This paradox lies at the heart of our faith: true strength is found in surrender, true power in service, and true life in dying to self.

As we navigate the Easter season and beyond, let's challenge ourselves to live in a way that demonstrates our belief that Jesus is Lord. This might mean:

- Intentionally seeking out opportunities to serve those in need, even when it's uncomfortable.

- Dedicating time to study Scripture, especially parts we find challenging or confusing.

- Examining our spending habits and considering where we might sacrifice for the sake of Kingdom work.

- Engaging in conversations about faith with those who disagree, practicing gentleness and respect.

Remember, we are part of a great company of believers - past, present, and future - all worshiping Christ as King. Our individual acts of faith and sacrifice, no matter how small they seem, contribute to this cosmic chorus of praise.

May we resist the lure of comfortable Christianity and instead embrace a faith that costs us something. Let our lives be a testament to the truth that Jesus, the Lamb of God, is indeed Lord of all. As we do so, we'll discover that the narrow path of discipleship, while challenging, leads to a fuller, richer experience of God's presence and power in our lives.

In a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain, the vision of the Lamb on the throne offers us hope and perspective. It reminds us that no matter how things appear on the surface, Jesus reigns supreme. May this truth embolden us to live courageously, love sacrificially, and worship wholeheartedly, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.