WORSHIP

Let us take a look at worship.

First - true worship is about the Lord Himself, not about us. Some worship today tries to bring in human elements and focuses too much on what we do or what benefits we may gain. Revelation 5 shows that Jesus Christ is the sole object of worship. All we can do is fall before him.

Second - true worship is about giving, not getting. Sometimes we hear people say, "I did not get much out of the service this morning." Getting is not the point of worship. Rather, we come to give something - we give the Lord our heartfelt worship

Third - true worship places a great emphasis on Christ's death. Look back through the words of Revelation 5 to see how many times John referred to Christ's death: "A Lamb as it had been slain" (vs.6), "For thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood" (vs. 9), and "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain" (vs. 12). In our singing, praying, and preaching, let us exalt the crucified Christ.

Fourth - true worship ascribes to the Lamb what He deserves - power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor glory, and blessing. In our prayers, our singing, and even in personal conversations, let us tell the Lord that He is indeed worthy of all these ascriptions of praise. He never tires to hear these words from our lips.

Fifth - This chapter gives us insight into music used in worship. True worship music extols the death of Christ, His marvelous attributes, and expressions of His great worth. Music based on the expressions of worship in this chapter and other chapters of the Bible leads us to the throne room of God.

Sixth - true worship will be out eternal activity. WE do not know all that we will do in heaven someday, but we do know that our time will be filled with regular and unending worship and praise for the Lamb. Such heavenly worship is possible because Jesus Christ, the Lamb, lives forever.

The truths of Revelation 5 should lead us to more meaningful private worship times and more expressive corporate worship with our church family.