In the chapter we revisit the fact that the Lamb is Holy and True. Indeed, it is this HOLINESS that is the reason for the judgments that are carried out in this chapter, and we will look at what we mustn’t minimize and must maximize.
This week as we look at the second part of chapter 5 the worship scene here centers on the Lamb. We will expound on what this worship of the Lamb is all about in heaven so that it can inform our worship here on earth. The Lamb is praised for both What He has accomplished as well as Who He is, and finally, brings in an aspect related to us that our worship ought to be all-inclusive, always making room for all.
Though the “book” in this passage is prominent, the Lamb’s worthiness to open it is more so! That’s where we will go this Sunday morning. John mourns the fact that no one is worthy to open the book, but then he is told there actually is One who is worthy! As we look closer at what John sees it becomes clearer that there are significant ways in which the Lamb is indeed the One who is worthy.
This week we will look at what John shares about heaven. We see that Heaven is a place that emphasizes the fact that there is no ruler greater, or more powerful, or more holy or more glorious than God. His dominion over all things is unquestionably front and center. Heaven is a place of Doxology, God is glorious! There is a throne and the one sitting upon that throne is the One true God as they declare holy, holy, holy to the One who is worthy to receive all glory and honor and power. The One who was, who is, and who is to come.
Like the 6 churches before it (and every church after it for that matter), the church in Laodicea needs to hear a word from the Lord. What we see in this letter to Laodicea is a clear call to turn back to King Jesus by turning away from their self-reliance and complacency. They have become useless because they have lost sight of some key truths.
In this 4th week of Advent we will be looking at the different aspects of peace that our King brings.
The 3rd week of this year’s Advent messages looks at the gift of Joy. It cannot be complete without pain, it will completely persevere and will be complete with prayer. (John 16:19-24)
The 2nd week in this year’s Advent Messages we look at the gift of Love and how transformative love requires knowing god personally, is counter-cultural, unites the Body of Christ and changes the World.
Week 1 of this year’s Advent Messages looks at our Living Hope who gives us confidence, calls us to persevere with a purpose and come from God’s power.
One of the most glaring in a good way, characteristics of this church is that they are only commended not criticized. This is rare in these letters. So, in a very real way they are a sort of community par excellence. As such, any church would be wise to imitate their example. If we did, what would be the result… Our faithfulness and absolute trust, even in the face of trials, and a secure future in His Kingdom.