ESOCS Devotional 14 September 2023 – The Holistic Sacrifice of the Lamb
MEMORY VERSE: “And they sang a new song saying “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seal; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” Revelation 5:9 KJV
TEXT: REVELATION 5:1-14 (KJV)
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
John the beloved gives an account of man’s salvation in this text. It introduces us to scenes and characteristics in heaven. He saw a scroll which contained the destiny of the world, the purposes of God for all creation (see also Ezek. 2:9-10; Dan. 10:21). John wept as no one in the universe was found worthy to break the seven seals and open the scroll. This implies no man can save another man from sin. Fortunately, the Messiah, described as the Lion of the Judah was able to open the scroll and the hope of all men was not dashed away as He was completely adequate for any situation. Christ Jesus won the victory for us all by his atoning and sacrificial death on the cross by himself, anything else we try to do either penance, fasting, or self-affliction for our sins can only be futile, and whoever accepts this sacrifice has been delivered from God’s wrath and judgment and the devil has nothing against such an individual. Know this and know peace! The full price has already been paid on the cross, peradventure you are still living in sin; all you need do is come to Jesus today and settle the quarrel.
The text also reveals the prayers of the Saints which is similar to those of the martyrs who call on God to judge those who killed them. Similarly, the Church in Nigeria cries out to God for vengeance upon the persecutors of Christians in the country and all over the world, and be assured that God takes note of every prayer ascending to the heavens, and he will come and save us; and so you must not relent in praying.
Note the praises showered on our Saviour for the redemption granted to men, and for making us kingdoms and priests to serve the living God. What a great privilege!!! Indeed, he alone is worthy of our praises and worship. (See Isa 42:9 and 10). Jesus, though the Son of God, humbled himself to die a shameful death to take away our shame, sin, sicknesses and guilt, leaves us an example to follow. Enough of all the strive for recognition and big tittles among contemporary believers today.
- Jesus died to bring us wholeness in life and ministry
- Dear Lord, thank you for setting me free from sin and its guilt, through the sacrifice of your only Son. Help me learn his paths.
FURTHER READING: Exodus 12:5-6; Isaiah 53; 1 John 1:47-end; Revelation 5:1-end
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ESOCS Devotional 14 September 2023
