Our study in the book of Revelation has been a rich examination of the glory and worth of Jesus our Savior.  The book is an unveiling of Him, by Him. We have seen Him in the midst of the Church, ruling over the Church, instructing and correcting the Church. His titles declare His supremacy over all things:  faithful witness, firstborn of the dead, ruler of the kings of the earth, Alpha and Omega, the one who is and who was and who is to come. The Almighty.

Now we move to more complex sections of Revelation and see that He is worthy to judge the world. This is His right because He is holy. Jesus Christ exists in a category with our Father in heaven.  He stands next to the throne of God and from that vantage point He exercises His rightful rule over His creation. He is sovereign in His reign; all the kingdoms of this world are accountable to Him. Yet in the most surprising image, He exercises His judgments as the Lamb who was slain. It is His sacrificial death through which He has conquered sin and will conquer all evil. He is worthy of praise, worship, and our surrendered life.

Remember we began our study with the promise that there was blessing for all who would read the words of this prophecy, and really hear them, and keep what is written. We hear it. We respond to it in obedience. We love and long for His appearing. And there is blessing from God.

One of the blessings we can experience now is the rock-solid, heartfelt conviction that the Lord is coming back to make all things right. This certainty is meant to orient our lives to be worshippers and witnesses. His worth evokes worship; His sovereignty produces peace. During the next two months I would encourage you to meditate on Psalms 96, 97 and 98. They are psalms that call for gladness and hope at the return of Jesus to judge the world.

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it!

Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the Lord,

for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness,

and the peoples with equity. Psalm 98:7-9

 The world today seems out of control. Everywhere we look there is violence, wars, corruption, and evil of every kind. The kingdoms of this world are in chaos. Our own nation is mired in division, dishonesty, and moral decadence. It is easy to become discouraged and disoriented by our troubled world. Does God still reign? Oh yes, He does. Will Jesus make all things new? Oh yes, He will!

For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Revelation 7:17 

Until that is our eternal reality in the kingdom to come, we say confidently here on earth:  “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!”

With you on the journey,

Tom