Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!

Revelation 5:12

A good knowledge of God and the right perspective of Christ could enrich our praise and worship in a profound way. The doxologies of the book of Revelation exemplify this truth. They are angelic songs and declarations of God as worthy to receive praise and worship from all creation. In them we see how the Majesty of God and beauty of His redemptive work through Christ Jesus flow into high praise and worship in His presence. We too can know God in this way and worship Him profoundly.

The NIV uses the adjective, “worthy,” forty-eight times to declare God as deserving of all that is good and of the highest quality and nobility in the entire universe.  

For instance, in Revelation 5:11-12, we hear the voices of thousands and millions of angels, and of the living beings and the elders surrounding the throne of God and declaring, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” They serenade Christ, because He has accomplished the purpose and will of God the Father in His death and resurrection (vv. 9-10). And as they see the evidence of the eternal blessings Christ has showered on His redeemed (v.10), they worship Him. His majesty and accomplishments overawe them. As a result, they burst into wholesome worship and praise to King Jesus.

Their worship is meaningful, hearty, and humbling. It satisfies the desire of the Most High. It exemplifies the manner of worship God expects from the recipients of His grace. We can worship in this manner too, as we reflect on His being and sense His blessedness. God becomes bigger in this way, and we burst into profound worship and praise with hearts of gratitude.

As Warren Wiersbe comments, “Christ alone is worthy of praise. It is interesting to contrast this doxology with the earthly life of Christ. His enemies said He was worthy of death (John 19:7), but the angels say He is worthy of praise. Men accused Him of working by the power of Satan (Matt. 12:24), but the angels say He is worthy of power. He became poor for our sake (2 Cor. 8:9), but He deserves all riches. “The preaching of the cross is foolishness” to sinful man (1 Cor. 1:18), but it is wisdom to the angels. On earth, Jesus was “crucified in weakness” (2 Cor.13:4), but in heaven He is lauded for His power. Dishonored on earth, He is honored in glory. Made a curse on the cross, He is today both the recipient and bestower of blessing” (Wiersbe: Expository Outlines on the New Testament, 811).

So, know Him. Give Him a hearty worship. Praise Him as King Eternal. He is worthy to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, glory, honor, and praise forever, Amen!