Resilient – A Revelation Daily Devotional – Day 18
Day 18 – August 14
Read or listen to the audio version of the Bible Reading and Daily Devotional.
You know how sometimes life just feels… hard? Or maybe you’ve been through something really tough, and you wonder if it all even matters in the grand scheme of things. Well, Revelation 5:8-14 gives us this incredible peek behind the curtain of heaven that can totally reframe how we see our struggles.
We just saw the Lamb, Jesus, step forward, the only one worthy to open God’s scroll of destiny. And what happens next is truly astounding. Right away, the four living creatures (who represent all creation) and those twenty-four elders (representing the church, us!) fall down in worship. They’re not just singing; they’re holding harps (imagine the most beautiful, pure music) and golden bowls full of incense, which are explicitly called “the prayers of the saints.” Every single prayer we’ve ever whispered, cried out, or even just thought, rises up to God like this precious, fragrant offering.
Then comes the “new song.” It’s not just a remix of an old tune; it’s a brand-new anthem of redemption. They’re singing, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Think about that: Jesus’s worthiness isn’t about how powerful He looked, but how much He suffered for us. He didn’t just save us; He ransomed us. He paid the price with His own blood to buy us back from sin and death, gathering us from every corner of the earth. And He didn’t stop there – He’s made us “a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” This means we’re not just saved, we’re given a royal purpose, right here, right now, and for eternity.
And the praise just keeps growing! John hears “the voice of many angels… myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,” joining in, shouting with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!.” Can you picture that? An uncounted, massive choir of angels, literally assigning every perfect attribute to the Lamb who was slain.
But it doesn’t stop with the angels. The climax of this scene is when “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them,” joins in, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!.” This is cosmic, all-encompassing worship! Everything that breathes, that exists, acknowledges the sovereignty and glory of God the Father and the Lamb.
So, what does all this mean for us, especially when we’re walking through a tough time? It’s our anchor. When life throws punches, when we feel defeated, when our circumstances seem overwhelming, this scene reminds us that the Lamb, who understands suffering more than anyone, is worthy. His victory wasn’t cheap. And because He is supremely worthy, our prayers are heard, our purpose is secure, and our struggles are not in vain. Our ability to endure comes directly from His worthiness. We’re not just getting through it; we’re enduring with the One who has already won.
Prayer: Jesus, Lamb of God, remind my heart of Your worthiness. Thank You for Your sacrifice, for hearing my prayers, and for giving me a place in Your kingdom.