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. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Devotion based on Revelation 5:11,12

Whom do you praise? Is it some college basketball team that wins repeated national championships? Is it the man who wears the green jacket? Does your praise go to your son or daughter for getting an “A” on a test or winning a blue ribbon at the art fair? No doubt lots of hard work and effort were put forth. Parents are proud of their children’s accomplishments. Fans rejoice in the victory. But step aside from all that and ask yourself, who truly is worthy of praise?

The apostle John records what he heard and saw in this vision of heaven. Before him are countless angels giving praise to Jesus alone. But it’s not just praise for praise’s sake. They let us know exactly why Jesus alone is worthy of praise. They call him “the Lamb who was slain.”

In the Old Testament Passover meal, a year-old spotless lamb was slaughtered. Its blood was painted on the doorposts in accordance with God’s command. Trusting in God, the Israelites followed these instructions, and the angel of death passed over their houses and were saved. This was a picture pointing forward to Jesus, the spotless and sinless Son of God.

Jesus shed his blood in our place to pay for all our sins. Because of his perfect sacrifice, the gates of heaven are open for all who believe. This is why Jesus alone is worthy of the angels’ praises as well as yours and mine.

Throughout each day, as you live your life according to his will, sing a song of praise to him who has forgiven all your sins and promised you eternal life in heaven.

Prayer:

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.