RECLAIMING SONSHIP!

RECLAIMING  SONSHIP

This past week the American public lost a legend, an Icon and a star in Robin Williams. Many are grieving and some are wondering how come a man who made millions laugh through his great sense of humor has been battling addiction and depression for years and finally succumbed to it by committing suicide?  Perhaps one of the hardest things to accept is that behind all the laughter and smiles was someone dealing with immense pain and suffering.

Robin Williams’ death is, first and foremost, a horrible tragedy for his family and friends. For the public at large, it's a dark reminder that depression and suicide are shockingly common, both in America and in the world. One article headline noted, “Robin Williams made millions laugh, while fighting His own demons.” This statement brought back some questions in my mind in regards to the origin and the cure of depression. Is depression a mental illness? Or is it a demonic influence? Or both? What is the best way to handle and possibly cure depression? Why would anyone think that the only way out of depression is committing suicide? If depression is a sickness, can God heal depression? How far medicine and therapy can help those who are struggling with depression? What role Christ and Church can play in fighting depression? 

As you see I have more questions than answers in this area, as this has been my quest since coming to America.  I am still in the process of understanding depression and how best I can help serve those who are struggling with depression. The medical experts and therapists tend to label this as decease due to “chemical imbalance.” Though I understand the complex nature of depression as a pastor I tend to approach this subject as a “truth imbalance” because most often, when we are depressed we struggle in our minds telling and believing lies.

We have a false perception of truth about God, who we are, others and the world. WE hear a voice telling us, nobody loves us and there is no hope for our situation. In the end, we can go over the edge and might loose our battle against that nagging, and negative voice that shouts at us relentlessly. I wonder where that voice is coming from?  Could that be the voice of the enemy, making us doubt our God given identity? According to my understanding of scriptures I isolate the source of that destructive voice to our enemy, Satan. 

The scriptures tell us that our enemy is like a thief. “A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” John 10:10. Christ is promising to give us a better life in this world and eternal life with him in the world to come, why would anyone want to end their life abruptly, by committing suicide, other than that they have believed the lie of the enemy?

What does our arch enemy Satan tries to steal from us? It is our SONSHIP and Daughterhood in Christ! These days’ banks and the credit card companies have come up with cool apps to prevent identity theft. Are you aware of your true identity and walking in it? Or has it been stolen from you?  If so how can you reclaim it? What does SONSHIP mean for us today? We will look at how the enemy tried to steal Jesus’ SONSHIP. What can we learn from Jesus, the Son of God and how can we walk in our own SONSHIP? Let’s read Matthew 4:1-11

A bit of background will help us understand the context. Jesus was baptized by his cousin John. As he came out of the water the heavens were opened up, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Christ in the form of a dove and rested on Him. A voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Here all three Persons of the Trinity are clearly portrayed. The Father’s command to hear his Son, and the Spirit’s vindication and empowerment officially inaugurated Christ’s ministry.

This scripture is referring to two Old Testament prophetic scriptures that would have been well known to the audience at that time, since both of them were to do with messianic expectations. Psalm 2:7, He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.” Isaiah 42:1“Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.”

What was affirmed by God in front of a large group of people now was being challenged privately by the Devil. Two times the Devil said, “If you are the son of God.” The conditional clause “if” carries the meaning of “since” in this context.  There was no doubt in Satan’s mind who Jesus was, but Satan’s design was to get to violate the plan of God and employ the divine power that Jesus had voluntarily laid aside when he became a man.

It is interesting that the devil came to tempt Jesus not when he was strong on the first day, but after 40 days of fasting. You can imagine how hungry and desperate one would be after not eating for 40 days.  The devil, using a desperate situation challenged Jesus to command stones to become bread to satisfy his hunger. The devil came to him when Christ was all alone. In one way Satan was challenging Him to misuse His power privately and meet His personal needs. Jesus overcame that temptation saying, it is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

In a similar manner when we are depressed, alone and desperate the devil ceases that opportunity and bombards us with lies, doubt, fear and pushes us to do something to get out of our rather a difficult and desperate situation. When you are pushed hard; pause and know that God loves you and has better plans for you than what the devil is suggesting you to do. Take up the double edged sword, pick up the shield of faith to extinguish all the arrows of the enemy.

The second temptation was to prove His power publicly. The devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God” throw yourself down.” This pinnacle probably a roof with a portico at the southeast corner of the temple. According to the Jewish historian Josephus, this was a drop of nearly 450 feet. Can you imagine what would happen to someone who throws himself from that height?

In one way the devil was suggesting to Jesus an apparent suicidal plan. Had Jesus fallen for his trap; in haste, to prove his power as the Son of God He would have been killed pre-maturely hence the plan and the prophecies of God to bring forth salvation to mankind through crucifixion could not have been materialized? That’s what happens, every time someone commits suicide and dies prematurely. All what God wants to accomplish through that person gets aborted and comes to a halt abruptly. I believe God has a plan and purpose for all of us.

There was no doubt in Jesus’ mind that He was the Son; and had the divine power but it was not yet the time to use that power. On these two occasions his Sonship was severely challenged to use his power once to meet his personal needs and another to display it publicly yet Christ remained humble and calm. He knew that pride was the downfall of Satan and He did not want to move in the same manner. He claimed his sonship and quoted God’s word boldly that sent Satan flying. In the end angels came and ministered to him.

What can we learn from Jesus, the Son of God?  Christ being the Son of God was tempted in human form as you and I are being tempted. Christ used God’s word to stop the intruder who pushed Him to prove His Sonship in an untimely and unethical manner. When we too stand firm on God’s word like Jesus did, the devil will flee from us. And we will be victorious over our temptations.

So far we looked at Christ being the Son of God and how he held on to his Sonship in the midst of temptations. Now we will look at what scripture says about us who we are in Christ. And how can we reclaim and walk in that God given identity in our day to day lives.. The Bible calls all those who have believed in Christ the sons of God. John 1:12, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. ¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

2 Corinthians 6:18, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” Romans 8:18-19, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.”

Scripture uses several metaphors and images to depict our redemption. Sonship is one of them and this theme runs deep throughout the Bible. Off late Wilma and I have been studying and pondering on this major theological theme of sonship. We are asking questions like what it means to be a son and daughter of the Most High God? How it should affect my relationships both in the Church and in the work place? How it should change my perspective on the world? As I said we are still working this theme out, and hopefully we will get more clarity.

When we reclaim our true identity as sons and daughters of God, our lives, and relationships change radically.  A true story, Alfred Poirer, in the “Peace Making Pastor,” explains how the teaching on the sonship radically led to reconciliation between two families in his Church, “After a period of four months after the teaching on sonship one of the fathers of the families called Alfred and said this, “ Pastor I just realized how stubborn I am. (I laughed to myself, as this very criticism was one that he resisted most.” He continued, “I see now that I am God’s son. I am part of a new family. I do not have to be like my father or brother.”

Alfred notes, “During our conversations, he had often spoken of the dynamics in his own family, such as holding grudges and being critical, manipulative, and stubborn. He went on to share with me his renewed understanding of the truth that he was now God’s son, and he drew the first and most important implication: “Since I am God’s son, I want to be a peacemaker like his Son.” With that truth in heart, he began to take concrete steps to be reconciled to the other family in the church.  Sonship led to building not only of his family, but the family of God.”[1]

What a powerful story of reconciliation between two conflicted families; all because one father grasped the truth of what it means to be a son of God. Just like those two families; we too have conflicts in our Church. We hold grudges, we take offense of people. We can be manipulative, critical and stubborn.  We hold bitterness and unforgiveness towards those who may have hurt us. But we don’t have to remain like that. God has promised better things for us. Jesus came to give us life and life in abundance. Sadly, speaking many of us without realizing our sonship, live lives like orphans. Once we realize, that we are sons and daughters of the most high God and walk in our sonship on a daily basis, we will experience the abundant life.

In closing, if you are struggling with depression or any other problem in your life don’t lose heart. Don’t believe the lies of the enemy and take shortcuts. No matter how hopeless your situation might look, there is hope for you in Jesus Christ. Jesus the son of God is praying for you and wants you to reclaim your sonship and walk in it boldly. He wants you to believe in Him and entrust all your concerns to Him, because He cares for you. As you do that, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you might be filled with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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[1][1] Alfred Poirier, “The Peace Making Pastor.”

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES CHURCH ATTENDANCE MAKE?:(Signs of a Healthy Church) Hebrew 10:19-25

  If you've worked in any organization especially a corporate one; either you may have sent or have received at least one meeting request that was labeled as “mandatory” or “required.” When you get a meeting invitation like that, you think attendance is required and not optional, it is compulsory, a must right?  But even then it is ultimately up to you whether to follow through or not, though not attending may have consequences.

      How about when it comes to attending Church, is it mandatory? Considering the attitudes of many people today it would be easy to conclude church attendance is optional or perhaps only for those who are fanatical. While filling the Natural Church Development Survey I had to answer the average attendance of our church. Has our church attendance increased over the years? If anything it has only decreased over the past two years. We average about 40 people on a good Sunday. While we can give many reasons for the drop in attendance, for me declining attendance is one sure sign of an unhealthy church. You may wonder why the Pastor is all of a sudden concerned about numbers. Well numbers do matter for our church. Early this year we could not conduct a business meeting because we did not have a quorum.

     What difference does church attendance make? What does the Bible say about Church attendance? What are the benefits of attending Church regularly? While there can be several benefits I would like to highlight five benefits of attending Church regularly from Hebrew 10:19-25. 1. Church is where we meet God. 2. Church is a community. 3. Church is a place of restoration. 4. Church strengthens our faith 5. Church is a place of encouragement.

I.       CHURCH IS WHERE WE MEET GOD.

In Greek (ekklesia) church has a range of meanings: legal assembly, congregation, and assembly of the Israelite, the Christian church or a church meeting as a group of Christians living in one place, the church universal to which all believers belong, the Church of God or Christ. In the O.T Church was known as the tabernacle, tent of meeting, the solemn assembly and when Solomon built a temple in Jerusalem that became a place where God’s presence literally dwelt among His people.

In Matt 16:18 “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” After his death on the cross and his resurrection he commanded the eleven disciples and said “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Building on that theme Paul reminds the Hebrew believers saying, “Therefore brethren we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus… and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…(Hebrew 10:19-22a) Christ made us possible to come into the house of God which is also called the Church. When we come to church with full confidence of faith we will meet God. As he promised He will show up in Church by His Spirit and meets us at the point of our need. These blood washed, redeemed and faithful ones form a community, and that community of believers are called to be the light and the salt in the community where they are placed.

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II.    CHURCH IS A COMMUNITY:

One of the clearest findings to emerge from research into happiness is that we are social beings. Undoubtedly we all admit that we need other people in order to be well and thrive. We feel better just being around other people. And we need close relationships in order to be happy. I realized this when my family went on a weekend camping trip, I just did not quite know what to do with myself.  Now I realize there is a difference here between those of us who are extroverts and those who are introverts.  Those of us who are extroverts will quickly suffer when we have to spend time by ourselves because extroverts are wired to recharge by spending time with people.  While those of us who are introverts may be quite happy to spend extended periods of time all by ourselves and are actually refreshed by it.

Regardless whether we are extroverts or introverts we all need people in our lives.  This goes back to the Garden of Eden. We tend to think the first human being must have been perfectly happy and satisfied because he had an intimate relationship with God, right? No sin; no heartache; everything was perfect he was filled with God’s love; yet the word God uses to describe him as “alone” And God says that this aloneness is not good.

Community is what we are created for. It is God’s desire for our life. Our vision at ECCOA is to build a diverse community that is committed to seeing lives transformed by the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  What kind of community we want our Church to be?  We want our Church to be a loving and caring community. Listen to what one of the all-time great evangelist from New England D.L Moody had to say about church attendance.  "Church attendance is as vital to a disciple as a transfusion of rich, healthy blood to a sick man."

In the New York Times (Sunday Review) an Anthropologist T.M. Luhrmann highlights several benefits of attending a Church, “ONE of the most striking scientific discoveries about religion in recent years is that going to church weekly is good for you. Religious attendance — at least, religiosity — boosts the immune system and decreases blood pressure. It may add as much as two to three years to your life.” Social support is no doubt part of the story. At the evangelical churches I’ve studied as an anthropologist, people really did seem to look out for one another. Healthy behavior is no doubt another part. Certainly many churchgoers struggle with behaviors they would like to change, but on average, regular church attendees drink less, smoke less, use fewer recreational drugs and are less sexually promiscuous than others.  Church is not only a community that we need but also it is a place of restoration.

III. CHURCH IS A PLACE OF RESTORATION.

We live in a fallen world. The world we see has not always been like this; at one point everything was good, beautiful and perfect until Adam sinned against God as a result we see a lot of sickness, pain and brokenness. Men are harassed, depressed, and lost. What God meant for good the enemy has destroyed it? But God didn't want us to remain in our fallen, sinful and messy state so He sent His only son to restore us back to God’s original image and give us back our decency and dignity.

Let me explain what restoration means. It means the act of restoring; renewal, revival or reestablishment. It means a return of something to a former, original, normal or unimpaired condition. Paul writes to the Hebrews that as we draw near to God with a sincere heart, in full assurance of faith God will cleanse us from our evil conscience and bodies by the sprinkling of pure water which is the word of God. Preaching of God’s word is essential in a church service through that God brings conviction, correction, challenge, change and direction. That is why it is so important that you attend Church regularly unless you are sick, or simply out travelling, because that is where you experience cleansing and restoration. In church we are not only restored but our faith is challenged, tested and strengthened.

IV. CHURCH STRENGTHENS OUR FAITH.

Hebrew 10:23-24, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” These words were written to people who were close to losing their faith in Christ. Look closely at these verses. Notice that church attendance has to do with holding fast to our hope without wavering, stimulating one another to love and good deeds because God is faithful.

In the end times it is possible to lose our faith and let our love grow cold. If we try to live out our Christianity all by ourselves without going to church it is absolutely impossible to do so. There are many things out there that can make us depressed, discouraged and loose our faith. But being part of a Church that preaches and teaches the right doctrine not only can we keep our faith but we can actually make it grow. I have seen this over and over, those who forsake the church waver in their faith. They are not stimulated in their faith. They are neither stirred to do good works nor stir others to love and good deeds. What makes us unwavering in our faith? First of all it is our God who is faithful but it is also the encouragement of other faithful believers.

V.    CHURCH IS A PLACE OF ENCOURAGEMENT. Vs 25

Vs 25, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” When Paul wrote this letter to the Hebrews some of them were habitually forsaking the meetings of the church.  In other words some of them are becoming regularly irregular in attending the Church. So he came right to the point. He told them not to forsake the assembly.  It is one thing to come to Church on a regular basis and it is another thing to encourage one another on a regular basis. 

       We all need encouragement, don’t we? We know encouragement can go a long way. Let’s be intentional and seek ways to encourage others instead of hurting them through our criticism and harsh remarks. People in general are hurting and we don’t want to add more hurt to them. A church should be a place where we build one another up and encourage one another. How can we encourage others? By being there for people when they need us, caring for those who are struggling financially, emotionally, and with sickness, being kind toward the strangers, being hospitable, and not to speak evil of others, by speaking words of affirmation, love and acceptance. Paul tops it all saying, we do all this, all the more as we see the Day Approaching.”

        In the light of current happenings in the world and how several things are pointing towards Christ’s imminent return, it is absolutely necessary that we stay connected to a local church where Christ is honored. In closing why is it important that we attend church? Church attendance does make a difference not only in the life of an individual believer but also to the larger church body and to the community where that church is located.

        We attend Church not because it is mandated, because it is essential for our growth. Church is where we meet God. It is a community that we need. It is a place of restoration. It strengthens our faith. It is a place of encouragement. If you are not yet a member of a local church I strongly encourage you to become one. The benefits of becoming a member outweigh the problems.  For those of us who are members of our Church, I want to encourage you with these words, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as we see the Day Approaching.” May the Lord help us to attend church regularly, because church attendance does make a difference!  Amen

THE SCROLL AND CHRIST THE LAMB: Revelation 5:1-14

Revelation 5: 1-14

Revelation 5:1-10: The book with seven seals: The exalted majesty of God in chapter 4 leads to the exaltation of the Lamb, also at “the center of the throne” (5:6) and also celebrated in worship (5:8-14).  The unity of God and the Lamb is obviously a major emphasis of these two chapters. It is clear that God and the lamb are one. (John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.)”  In the opening scene the reader has the feeling that imminent events will usher in the final events of history and the consummation of God’s plan.  The scene is filled with emotions when no one was available to open the seals of the scroll.

After the vision of the throne in heaven, John sees the one who sits on the throne with a book written on both sides inside and that book was sealed up with seven seals. The phrase “I saw” occurs four times in this chapter (5:1, 2, 6, and 11). It is divided into separate scenes.

SCENE I:  GOD IS ON THE THRONE: (Vs 1)

Vs 1, “Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.” First half of the scripture summarizes chapter 4. The one seated on the throne is the King of kings, the exalted Lord of universe, the one who alone is worthy of worship. God is on his throne and holds a double-sided scroll in the palm of his right hand, which symbolizes power and authority. Here the scroll is ‘on’ rather than ‘in’ the hand of God, thus picturing it lying on God’s open palm.

Osborne, notes “scroll” was made of strips of papyrus laid end to end and glued together to form a lengthy strip that could be rolled into a scroll. This was the most popular type of writing material for three millennia, from Egypt in in Egypt in 3000 B.C. to Roman times.”

There are several possibilities for the identification of this doubly inscribed, sealed document: 1.The lamb’s book of life. Though it is the major theme of the book of revelation in this context we don’t have any pointers to believe so. The scrolls here and in 10:1-11 introduce the plan God has for the future 2. The OT, especially the Torah, with its blessings and cursing stipulating to the covenant laws. 3. The last will and testament containing the inheritance of the saints and sealed with seven seals. 4. A divorce bill, folded and signed on the other side. 5. The doubly inscribed contract deed, sealed with seven seals and with a description of the contents written on the back. 6. A heavenly book containing God’s redemptive plan and the future history of 

God’s creation. The combination of fifth and sixth views best fits the data.

The scroll was sealed with seven seals, which points to completeness, focusing on the fullness of the divine plan. The secrecy of the sealed document parallels with the secrecy of the OT scrolls: Isaiah 29:11, Dan 8:26, Ezekiel 2:9-10. We are not very clear exactly what was written in the scroll. But as we read the scriptures we can conclude that it contains the destiny of mankind both redemption and judgment. It is written both sides suggests that nothing regarding the destiny of mankind is omitted. God has included every detail, every aspect, every minute part of history- past, present and future. In chapter six we see the unfolding of these seals.

SCENE II: ONE WORTHY TO OPEN THE SCROLL (5:2-5)

John sees a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll.”?  There was a crisis in heaven: “no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. That, must have depressed John so he wept and wept because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look inside.

At that moment of crisis Jesus is introduced in the throne room. No one appears worthy to open the sealed scroll that is in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.” This should be a word of encouragement to all believers. Jesus will always appear in the crisis of life. At times he appears as a lamb and other times as a lion depending on the need of the moment.

Vs.5, “Then one of the elders said to me, do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” It is interesting to note the announcement of the angel, which says “But no one in heaven, or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll.” Osborn explains this threefold division, “the three-tiered universe is common in Scripture (Ex 20:14, 11; Job 11:8-9) and probably refers to the whole of the created order rather than to three specific kinds of being or spatially to three spheres of life.” “Open the scroll” is mentioned three times in this short passage indicates that the contents in the scroll must be of extreme importance.” We can gather this from 4:1 where 

John heard a voice saying “come up here and I will show you what must take place after this.”

The phrase “Lion of Judah” was taken from Genesis 49: 8-10, where Judah is chosen over his brothers to be the “ruler” and the one whom his brothers would praise. The greater fulfillment of these prophecies are in “son” of Judah- Jesus Christ.  The root of David is from Isaiah 11:1,10 which links Jesus Christ to the ideal king. It is interpreted messianically in Romans 15:12, “And again Isaiah says, “the Root of Jesse will spring up, on who will arise to rule the nations the Gentiles will hope in him..” The Lion of Judah and the Root of David is one and the same, referring to Jesus Christ. Jesus is able to take the scroll and open it because he “has triumphed.” Where was he triumphed? At the cross where he manifested as both strength (Lion) and humility (Lamb)

SCENE THREE: INTRODUCTION OF THE LAMB; (Vs 6-10)

The Lamb appears on the scene: After being comforted by one of the elders John looks up behold he sees a lamb looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne. This picture is contrary to what was described by the angel about the “Lion of Judah” one could expect to see a furious Lion is rearing to open the scroll but in reality it was not a Lion but a Lamb standing in the center of the throne. Though this lamb was looking as if it had been slain but yet was commanding the respect of the four living creatures and the elders. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. A lamb with lions heart.

There has been a considerable debate regarding the meaning of the lamb image. Carrez (1999:5-7) says that the Lamb is the central figure of the book, determining the plot action from the celestial liturgy of chapters 4-5 to the unity of God and the Lamb on the throne in Chapter 22. Barker (1995:501-4 ) sees the Lamb identified as the paschal lamb of Isa 53:7. (Swete,R.Charles) sees the conquering ram(Ford, Kiddle), the Passover lamb (Schussler Fiorenza, Roloff), or the atoning lamb and someone else sees the Lamb primarily as servant.

The image of the lamb is important in the OT and apocalyptic. In Vs 6 the reason the Lamb is described, “slaughtered” is perhaps to combine both the images of a Passover lamb and the suffering servant. These two images represent Christ as the Passover lamb of Exodus and the Suffering Servant lamb of Isaiah.  John refers to Jesus as a “lamb” 28 times in Revelation and twice in his gospel.  Paul refers to Christ as “our Passover lamb.” (I Cor 5:7) and Peter refers to Him as a “lamb” without blemish or defect.” (I Pet 1:19)

                                                                                                        

The moment he took the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before and they worshiped the Lamb singing a new song. Osborn notes, “The song is composed of three parts: the acclamation of the worthiness of the Lamb, the salvific work of the Lamb, and the effect for the followers of the Lamb.”

Vs 11-14: Angels exalt the Lamb:

13 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."  14 And the four living creatures kept saying, "Amen." And the elders fell down and worshiped. In this vision John sees the exalted Lamb who was being worshiped the four living creatures, the elders and thousands upon thousands of angels. This is a glorious picture where the whole creation bows before the lamb that was on the throne, and worships him for ever and ever.

It is heartening to note the words of Osborne “The worship of the Lamb in chapter 5 parallels that of God in chapter 4. Christians are guilty of the syndrome “Your Jesus is too small.” We have made Jesus our “big brother” and “friend” to such an extent that we have lost the sense that he is also our sovereign Lord. We must recapture the realization the he too is our God and worthy of worship at the deeper level. Like Yahweh, he deserves our praise and gratitude for his sovereignty and for the great victory won at the cross.”