Revelation 5 - The Lamb’s Men - A Kingdom of Priests
Men, we are called to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision to gratify the lusts of the flesh” (Romans 13:14). We “walk properly” and live above reproach because we are on a mission with God as He builds His Kingdom (His way and in His timing).
God paid for our sins on the Cross for a reason. We heard in Jesus’ message to the church in Thyatira that to all who hold tightly to faith in Christ and who persevere Jesus will give them authority over all the nations (Rev. 2:25-26). And we hear the same thing in this marvelous chapter about the worthiness of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Lamb of God.
God’s people are called to godliness. Proper living is at the core of who Christians are. Kingly power and authority may only be delegated by a real King. The Apostles, after experiencing the resurrected Son of God had no doubt of His power and they accepted the authority and responsibility given to them. Those with delegated power and authority from the King have a responsibility to act like the Kingdom of priests that we are.
We are not to “feel proud about ourselves” (Romans 11:25) or to rejoice when we see God’s justice served against those with hard hearts. No! We are to love all people because God loves the very rebels that we once were. We are called by God to love others. To really love them. And to hate what is wrong (Romans 12:9). So, as God loves us we too love the rebels and share with them God’s mercy. We are ambassadors, called to the mission of reconciliation. We are peacemakers. Call for peace today. Call people to repentance of sin and reconciliation with God.
You may not look like a priest - so be it, neither do I. But Jesus says that you are one. Our job is to act like it, to tell people the truth in love. We tell them about God’s way, His riches and His wisdom and His Kingdom.
We walk properly today and with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we will think properly. Be careful what you think. Over the last few years, I’ve really been encouraged by the growth mindset as I believe it aligns with God’s way of sanctification and growth. The Good News is good news for a reason. We are not a doomsday cult. We are victorious in Christ. God's Kingdom growing. Christ is the head of the body (Colossians 1:18) and God commands that we go and expand the body - making disciples (Matthew 28:19). Yes, we have ups and downs, but as we await the full number of people to trust in Jesus, we grow as our minds are transformed by godly thinking (Holy Spirit renewal and growth).
As we see in this section of Revelation we are not the ones to take revenge. That’s God’s domain. “Leave that to the righteous anger of God” (Romans 12:19). God pays back the enemies of Christ’s body as He sees fit. Trust God in everything. That includes justice.
It is Jesus’ blood on the Cross that “has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (5:9). God causes us to be a “Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on earth” (Revelation 5:10). Amen!
Jesus saves His dear children so that we may walk properly and act in unity as a healthy Body of Christ. Let’s do that today. Listen well. Serve the King well.
The Lamb of God is worthy not just to open the scroll that declares His judgment and His decrees and His new covenant with the Blood of the Lamb, but of all glory and power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor. Jesus is worthy of all praise. Only Christ, the Son of God is worthy. We are the fortunate ones who have heard His Good News and accepted new life and the promise of eternity with God. And we have this great privilege today to walk properly as valued members, each an essential part, of the Body of Christ. Dear Children of our Loving Father.
Lord Jesus, Your grace is sufficient for us. It’s all we need. Please give us wisdom. We need it. Please bring many more into Your Kingdom today and help Your children to represent You well by truly loving other people. Amen.
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