..."Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" ¹³And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" —Revelation 5:12-13
Behold the baby born in Bethlehem!
I can’t imagine a more appropriate verse to memorize this week of Christmas. As we gather to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Revelation 5:12–13 directs our hope toward the manger’s trajectory. This child came to reign; to suffer and save and reign, forever.
Little did Herod know who he was up against. The infant he tried to destroy is indeed the King, but not merely of Judea, not of a Roman occupied Jewish territory. This King—this King of glory—rules over all peoples.
Egypt will bow to Him, Cush will stretch out her hands (Psalm 68:31). All flesh shall come to Him (Psalm 65:2). Every created being, that is, every being in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea will say “To Jesus belongs the glory!”
Every single thing that Jesus himself spoke into existence will one day bow to Him, recognizing his authority, extolling his supremacy.
Jesus, the Nazarene, fully God, fully man, one person with two natures, came to this world to die for sinners. He lived and suffered for our salvation. He was crucified, dead, and buried for us. And then on the third day He was raised. He was vindicated as the Son of God, the King who has triumphed over sin and death. He ascended and sat down at the Father’s right hand where He reigns over His coming kingdom. He is seated now—this very moment—ruling over all. He is seated on the throne from where one day He will come again to consummate what Christmas accomplished. Oh come let us adore Him!
For Reflection
Consider the wonders of Jesus’s humility in light of his utter supremacy.
How does Jesus’s authority and power propel us into risk-taking love?
How does Revelation 5:12–13 impact the way we think about the Nativity?