Stroll through Scripture for August 10, 2025

Based on Revelation 5:1-13

Last week we heard about John’s vision of the heavenly throne/court room.  And what was happening constantly?  Worship of the one on the throne.  John’s writes in such a way that it makes worship the obvious thing that you would do in the presence of God.  

This week, we see a similar situation – more worship, more praise, more recognition of God and the Lamb. The Lamb is key for several reasons.  A lamb is weak and vulnerable.  And yet, the Lamb here is seen as victorious.  John often turns things on its head.  Revelation is all about turning the empire on its head and recognizing that the empire tried to dethrone God.  John describes the Lamb looking as though it had been “slaughtered.”  Slaughtered things don’t live.  And they certainly aren’t worthy of worship and praise.  Yet, the Lamb lives on, despite being slaughtered.  

Here, John is making the claim that the Roman empire tried its worse, crucifying Jesus, and yet, he still lives.  Empires rely on death as their most potent weapon.   Yet, how powerful is an empire when its most powerful weapon is shown to be empty?  

This chapter keeps building and building up to a crescendo, in opposition to the experiences of people.  Rome, its empire, and its emperor were always the center of the universe, where everything points to them.  But here John shows empire and all associated with it for what it is – empty and not worthy of worship.  

This is a continuation of Revelation 4.  We see some of the same characters.  We hear praise happening.  And the main point is that God is on the throne, not Rome, not empire.  Death has no power over God or the Lamb.  Empire cannot stand.  

One additional note, a good portion of the Lutheran liturgy for worship comes from Revelation.  That’s because so much of the book is a vision of worship before God.  This is part of the reason why this book is so important for us.  

Another important note about Revelation – John is essentially arguing that worship is an act of resistance.  Because we are worshipping God, not empire.  

Questions for further reflection:

• We experience and participate in worship in a variety of ways.  Think of a time when worship was awe inspiring – when you knew you were in the presence of God.  What was that like?  What was the context?
• Worship, in many ways is an act of resistance to the empires of the world who demand not only our attention, but also our worship.  Where do we see this in the world?  And how do you recognize worship as an act of resistance?