Particularly in evangelical and charismatic circles, we often hear Jesus described as “worthy.” This adjective shows up commonly in contemporary Christian music. Think of Michael W. Smith’s Agnus Dei. (I really like that song, by the way.)
Here’s another version of Agnus Dei for my high-church friends:
But do we really know what we mean when we use this term?
Consider this passage from Revelation 5: 6-14:
Then I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne. When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They sing a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth.” 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.
Excellent article! K. Mann
Kitty Mann jameskittymann@aol.com
Vicit Agnus noster, eum sequamur!
Reblogged this on Kingdom Pastor and commented:
Some excellent words for my culture and nation. I thought some of you might get something from them if you are not following David.
very well said, but I am a big fan of your blogs. All I can say is AMEN, Blessings Dr Watson