READ: Rev. 5:11-14: … saying with a loud voice: ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!’ And every creature … heard saying: ‘Blessing and honor and glory and power … ‘Amen!’ …
Verses 11-14 reveal that beyond the praise and song of the church and God’s counsel in heaven, there is an innumerable multitude offering their homage, praise, and thanks to the Lamb who has overcome.
First, the number of angels is mentioned, surrounding the throne in heaven: “myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,” signifying an immeasurable multitude, accompanied by countless more (cf. Dan. 7:10). John saw them and heard the loud sound of their hymn.
He lists seven terms in their hymn to Christ: they praise His might, wealth, wisdom, power, and the reasons for which He deserves honor, glory, and thanksgiving. His might, or rather power, refers to His divine ability by which He achieves everything according to His plan. His wealth denotes all His blessings and goods that He distributes to His own. His wisdom signifies His unsurpassable insight, understanding, and governance. His power is His force that is irresistible.
After this massive angelic choir, an even greater tribute follows: heaven and earth together rejoice in Christ. For His work of reconciliation encompasses the entire Creation: God will reconcile heaven and earth and all its creatures to Himself (Col. 1:20). It will lead to a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells!
The climax occurs as all these creatures—even those from under the earth and in the sea, and everything in them—sing together to God seated on the throne with the Lamb: the thanks, the honor, the glory, and the power for all eternity (v.13). John hears that everything that breathes praises the Lord. A glimpse of how it will be in eternity. I
t’s striking that Christ receives all honor and worship even before He unfolds the scroll. This shows the full confidence that Christ will complete His work as King.
How about our thanksgiving to the Triune God?
Singing: Ps. 150:1-3