Everyone Sing: “Worthy Is the Lamb!”
By James Wiese on April 29, 2022
Sermon for Easter 3 Sunday – Jubilate May 1, 2022
Text: Revelation 5:11-14 CW-22 3 Year Series C 22:2322
Theme: Everyone Sing: “Worthy Is the Lamb!”
Does the name Mitch Miller mean anything to you? Only the older ones among us might remember that name. I do, from my earliest childhood days. I’m not sure what day of the week it was, maybe Sunday evening. We gathered around the TV and turned on a show called “Sing Along with Mitch.”
Mitch Miller was a choral conductor who hosted a weekly community sing-along program in the early 1960s. I was about 7 years old at the time. His program featured a male chorus and many guests who sang popular songs of the day. At the bottom of the TV screen ran a line with the lyrics of the songs and viewers were invited to “sing along.” It was fun time singing along with Mitch.
You may or may not have enjoyed that program. But there was a mirth and happiness, a light spirit that permeated the setting. And, I am sure, it brought joy to many who watched and joined in song.
However, that community of joy greatly pales in comparison to the magnificence of beauty, blessing, and bliss that resounds from the voices in heaven. Nothing on earth could ever match that which takes place in God’s throne room above. Even now, although you are not yet in heaven, you are invited to sing along. Everyone Sing: “Worthy Is the Lamb!”
I. It is a song of victory, not defeat.
First, picture this setting described in the verses before our text. John helps us catch a glimpse of God’s heavenly throne room (4:1f). Around the throne were 24 smaller thrones on which 24 elders sat. They represent the universal Church, believers of every time. They are symbolized by the 12 tribes of Israel in the OT, and the 12 Apostles in the NT. Together they make up 24 – all God’s people.
Nearer the throne were 4 peculiar “creatures,” covered with eyes. One creature looked like a lion; another like an ox; the third like a man; and the last like a flying eagle. Each had six wings. Probably high-ranking angels, they never stopped singing: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God Almighty, who was and who is and who is coming.”
As John turned his attention to the figure on the large, central throne, he saw in God’s hand a scroll that revealed what the future would be. At first, he wept in despair because no one was found worthy enough to open the scroll and look into it. But one of the elders soothed him, assuring John that the root, or offspring, of David was able to open it because He had triumphed. The “root” is Christ.
Then John saw a Lamb standing before the throne, looking as though it had been slain. The 4 living-creatures and the 24 elders formed a circle around it. The Lamb took the scroll. When it did everyone fell on their knees before it. Taking up their harps, they began to sing a song of victory: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain. You bought us for God with Your blood out of every tribe and language and people and nation. You made them to be a kingdom and priests for our God.”
Now, who else could that Lamb be other than the Lord Jesus, known in the Old Testament as David’s son? John the Baptist pointed to Him and cried, “Look, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” He was sacrificed on the cross for our sin but was raised to life again on Easter. He is our Savior! He can tell us what will happen in our future. He is the only one who can do it because He has made that future for us by paying the price for our sin. “He was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification” (Ro.4:25). For that the crowd in heaven rejoices. They blend their voices to sing a song of victory, not defeat.
We need to “see” this sight; we need to “hear” this song. We need it to stimulate us, to give us hope, and to encourage us in our present lives for what the future holds for us. We need it because in many ways it isn’t easy being a Christian in a fallen world, and the future doesn’t look so great, never has, never will until time ends.
It isn’t easy for our oldest members enduring illness, watching strength fade, losing dear ones close to them, suffering ridicule for their faith, and knowing that death lies just ahead for them too. It won’t be any easier for our youngest members either, from the latest new-born onward. God reminds us in His Word that the reality of a world fallen in sin is this: “we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Ac.14:22). Satan, our flesh, and the world seek to defeat us. We are tempted to feel alone.
I wonder if the Apostle John felt that way, because, when John was given this vision, things weren’t going well for him or the Church. Christians were enduring so much persecution at the hands of Rome. Their homes were confiscated, their families scattered and enslaved, their lives taken from them because of their faith in Christ. John himself was exiled to the desolate island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea. God’s people were suffering. They were scattered, isolated, and annihilated. Was that it? But wait! The future held so much more for them who were the redeemed of God.
Look at this throne room. By itself it was a mind-boggling sight of heaven. And there was more, a scene and a sound that could only be described as truly breathtaking – millions upon millions upon millions of angels singing to the Lamb: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open it…You bought them for God with Your blood…Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.”
What an inspiring picture for the scattered Christians bearing the brunt of persecution. They seemed like a little flock, even as Christians today sometimes feel isolated and in a distinct minority. But, when all the angels are added to the number of the saints, they form a mighty throng and sing a song of victory, not defeat.
And there’s more. Every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them joins in the heavenly hymn: “To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever.”
Imagine the chirping birds on a spring morning, the roaring lions at feeding time, the squeak of bats in their caves, the moaning whales in the ocean, the barking dogs, the calling elephants, even worms shouting from below ground, on and on. Imagine them, all loud, all clear, and all together in harmony and tempo. Then imagine yourself and all Christians of all times joining in a chorus praising God and His Christ, no matter how isolated or scattered we might seem to be. What a sound! It is the song of victory, not defeat, through faith in our risen Savior. Everyone Sing: “Worthy Is the Lamb!”
II. It is a song of assurance that Christ is in control.
Such a picturesque and emphatic way of saying that Jesus, only Jesus knows and is in control of the future and all that it holds! This “sight” and “sound” is a source of heavenly comfort and joy for us every day of life, just as it is for the saints in heaven who rejoice over it. It is a song of assurance that Christ, to whom is all power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing as God, our Savior – that He is in control.
Out there, beyond the doors of our church is an oft-times frightening world that seems to be getting worse all the time. Out there is a world filled with problems that even a new congress or administration in Washington is not going to solve. They may for a time, but the problems always return, sometimes worse. Some may call that being pessimistic. But it is reality in a sin-cursed world.
Yet, we ought to remember that the greatest problems facing us are not violence, murder, threat of war, gender manipulation, inflation, energy shortage, high cost of fuel, cancer, Covid, or the like. Even if we could solve such problems, all of us will still, finally, one day rest in the cold, cold, ground in death. Even if doctors would find a sure cure for Covid or just the common cold, all will still one day die. Even if a new congress or administration would find a way to put our economy in order, everyone will one day finally lose all earthly possessions. Everything heads towards the grave.
But in such a world it is a source of heavenly comfort and joy to be assured again and again that Christ is in control. And through His Gospel promises we have:
– a Savior who loved us enough to redeem us to God by giving His own blood for us…
– that this Savior is not just a Lamb who was slain but is also a Lion who holds the book of the future in His almighty hand, and…
– that He is in control and will guide the future in such a way that we can be assured He will carry out His promise that all things will work together for good to those who love Him.
What a source of heavenly joy these truths give! It is one about which we will want to raise our voices here, to sing along with the new song to God. Then, later, we will join with all the angels, saints, and creatures before the throne where Everyone Sings: “Worthy Is the Lamb who was slain to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!” If that isn’t a foretaste of the heaven that awaits us, what is? It is a magnificent sight and sound that far transcends anything experienced on earth. And we already get to share in it every time we worship Him here. What glory and joy are the possessions of those who are found in Christ! God grant us the strength in faith this picture incites, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Zion Lutheran Church of Springfield
(A member congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)
4717 S Farm Rd 135 (Golden Avenue)
Church phone: 417.887.0886 www.zionluthchurch.com
Pastor’s cell phone: 417.693.3244 email: revelehmann@gmail.com
You can also find us on Facebook
The Third Sunday of Easter: “Jubilate” (Rejoice!) May 1, 2022
“Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter: ‘It is the Lord!’” John 21:7
F o r O u r V i s i t o r s
The family of Zion welcomes you as we worship the Lord today. We encourage children to worship with us. However, if you need to leave with your child, there is a nursery room to the right as you exit the sanctuary. The rest rooms are located in the hallway between the sanctuary and the fellowship hall. Visitors, please sign our guest book to the right, just outside the sanctuary. We’re glad that you are here and pray that through our worship the Lord grants you peace.
U p o n E n t e r i n g G o d’ s H o u s e
“I will exalt You, LORD, for You lifted me out of the depths. You healed me. You spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the LORD, You His faithful people; praise His holy name” (Psalm 30).
W h a t T h i s S u n d a y i s A b o u t
“It is the Lord!” There are many who look at Jesus but cannot say this. They cannot sing the songs of Easter with heavenly joy. Some are uncertain; others do not know God. Many lack understanding.
Following Jesus’ resurrection on Easter, the disciples were filled with uncertainty. So, Jesus appeared to them to take away their doubts, to strengthen faith, and to fill them with understanding of whom the Lord is and of what He has done for salvation. It sounds simple. But many do not understand all that is entailed when a person says, “It is the Lord!”
Jesus continues to “appear” to us in His Word, strengthening faith and confidence in Him. God grant us the insight we need not only to say but to understand and rejoice at what it means to call Him Lord and Savior.
To that end we pray: O God, by the humiliation of Your Son You lifted up this fallen world from the despair of sin and death. By His resurrection, grant Your people understanding, gladness of heart, and the hope of eternal joy, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
– T h e W o r d o f G o d f o r T o d a y –
The First Lesson: Acts 9:1-21
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples to strengthen them. He even appeared to convert His enemies. Among the worst of them was Saul, who persecuted the church. Calling Him to faith, the Lord set him apart as the Apostle Paul to preach the gospel to gentiles.
The Epistle Lesson: Revelation 5:11-14
In a vision John saw the heavenly hosts praising Jesus as Lord. The Church on earth joined them in their worship. Soon all creation was praising the Lamb who was slain, but now is risen. It is a sight that strengthens believers as facing hardships that sin causes in the world.
The Gospel Lesson: John 21:1-14
In His third appearance to His disciples after Easter, Jesus came to them when they were fishing on the Sea of Galilee (Tiberias). With another miraculous catch of fish, He strengthened their faith and reinstated Peter as an apostle.
O u r P r a c t i c e o f H o l y C o m m u n i o n
Out of deep love for the truth of God’s Word and precious souls, we follow the practice of Close Communion in our congregation. This has been the practice of Christians for centuries and reflects the Bible’s teaching on unity of faith in the reception of the Supper (1 Cor.10:17). It does not judge a person’s heart but anticipates agreement in that which God says. Since we do not wish to put anyone in the position of declaring such agreement with us before study in the Word is possible, we ask that only those who are communicant members of this or another Wisconsin Synod or ELS congregation come to receive the Sacrament.
The Organist: Jane Rips The Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann
Point to Ponder: “Out there is a frightening world, filled with insoluble problems. But we ought to remember that the greatest problems facing us are not energy shortage, danger of war, AIDS, cancer, or inflation…. Men will never find a way to free themselves from the captivity of the devil and death….In such a world it is a source of heavenly joy to be assured again and again that we have a Savior who redeemed us, holds the book of the future in His almighty hand, and will control the future in such a way that He will carry out His promises that all things will work together for good to them that love God. If that isn’t a foretaste of heaven, I don’t know what is.” — Siegbert Becker on A Foretaste of Heaven
Outline of Our Worship
The Preparation
Opening Thoughts on the Service
Opening Hymn: #483
Order of Worship: The Service: Setting One with Holy Communion: page 154-160
Prayer of the Day
The Ministry of the Word
Acts 9:1-21
Psalm 30
Revelation 5:11-14
The Gospel Acclamation pg.161
John 21:1-14
Hymn: #938
Sermon: Revelation 5:11-14 Everyone Sing: “Worthy Is the Lamb!”
The Nicene Creed pg.162
Our Response to the Word
Prayer of the Church: pg.164
The Offering
The Lord Blesses Us
Preparation for Holy Communion Hymnal page 165-169
(Visitors: Please read the box on page 2 regarding Holy Communion)
Distribution
Distribution Hymn: #869
Thanksgiving & Blessing Hymnal page 170
Closing Hymn: #512 st.1,5,6
Silent Prayer
The Third Sunday of Easter – Series C
First Lesson: Acts 9:1-22 Jesus Appears to Saul (Paul); Saul’s Response
1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he might bring them to Jerusalem as prisoners.
3As he went on his way and was approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
5He asked, “Who are you, Lord?”
He replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you need to do.”
7The men traveling with him stood there speechless. They heard the voice but did not see anyone.
8They raised Saul up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he could not see anything. They took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9For three days he could not see, and he did not eat or drink.
10There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
He answered, “Here I am, Lord.”
11The Lord told him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. In fact, at this very moment he is praying. 12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he can regain his sight.”
13Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many people about this man and how much harm he did to your saints in Jerusalem. 14And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
15The Lord said to him, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel. 16Indeed, I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
17Ananias left and entered the house. Laying his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, whom you saw on your way here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. 19And after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul stayed with the disciples in Damascus for several days. 20Immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
21All who heard him were amazed and said, “Isn’t this the one who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? Didn’t he come here for this very purpose: to bring them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22But Saul continued to get stronger and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
Epistle Lesson: Revelation 5:11-14 Worthy Is the Lamb
11And I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels who were around the throne and around the living creatures and the elders. Their number was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands upon thousands. 12With a loud voice they were saying:
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.
13I also heard every creature that is in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever.
14The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders bowed down and worshipped.
Gospel Lesson: John 21:1-14 Breakfast in Galilee with the Risen Lord
1After this, Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. This is how he showed himself: 2Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3Simon Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.”
They replied, “We’ll go with you.”
They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4Early in the morning, Jesus was standing on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus.
5Jesus called to them, “Boys, don’t you have any fish?”
“No!” they answered.
6He told them, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” So they cast the net out. Then they were not able to haul it in because of the large number of fish.
7The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard, “It is the Lord!” he tied his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the sea. 8But the other disciples came in the little boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about one hundred yards. 9When they stepped out on land, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it. 10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.”
11So Simon Peter climbed aboard and hauled the net to land, full of large fish, 153 of them. Yet even with so many, the net was not torn.
12Jesus said to them, “Come, eat breakfast.”
None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.
13Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them, and also the fish. 14This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) copyright © 2019 The Wartburg Project.
C a l e n d a r & A n n o u n c e m e n t s f o r Z i o n L u t h e r a n C h u r c h
| Today
May 1 |
Monday
May 2 |
Tuesday
May 3 |
Wednesday
May 4 |
Thursday
May 5 |
Friday
May 6 |
Sat.
May 7 |
Next Sun.
May 8 |
| 9:00 am
Divine Worship Service with Holy Communion online -Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship &Quarterly Meetings Easter 3 – “Jubilate” |
11 am
Bible Class 4:30 pm Confirmation
6 pm Choir
|
Friday 5 pm thru Saturday
3 pm WELS/ELS Men’s Retreat |
at Camp
Trinity, New Haven, MO |
9:00 am
Divine Worship Service online – Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Bible Study
Easter 4 “Misericordia Domini” |
A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today
It’s usually not that we don’t know what to do. It’s that we lack the oomph, the energy to do it. Jesus rose from the dead in part to reenergize us for service to God and to each other. “The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation.”
The Gospel Lesson: John 21:1-14 (answers are found on the back side)
- How many times had Jesus appeared to His disciples before this blessed incident along the lake shore?
- How many fish did Peter and the others catch?
- What is ironic about Jesus fixing fish over a fire?
Those We Remember In Our Prayers: Greg Miller; Lou Schulz; William & Laurie Moon; Pauline Jaeger; Dave Ballou; John Workentine; Kirsten Jaster (Laurie Moon’s sister, long term covid); Lois Wiese; Greg Pierson (the Long’s son-in-law); Libya, Jodi Milam’s granddaughter, diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, an autoimmune disease of the brain; Elizabeth Lisenby, looking in the near future at shoulder surgery; Barbara Long, following hospitalization.
Quarterly Meetings Because Easter fell on the normal date for our spring quarterly meetings, we have postponed the meetings till today, May 1. We hope you can join us following worship as we discuss the ministry among us here at Zion
Men’s Retreat If you are hoping to attend the WELS/ELS Men’s Retreat this coming weekend, please let pastor know as soon as possible. It will be a spiritually enriching and fun time for you to join with men in faith in our congregations in Missouri.
Forward in Christ’s next edition for May has arrived. You may find copies on the credenza in the narthex.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, May 1 – Following the service fellowship then the Voters and WWFC quarterly meetings
Friday/Saturday May 6-7 – WELS/ELS Men’s Retreat at Camp Trinity, New Haven, MO
The Week in Review
Last Sunday Worship: 22; Bible Class: 14; Midweek Bible Class: 3; Offering: $1,891.
Next Sunday’s Lessons: The Good Shepherd Speaks Words of Comfort and Victory
Easter 4: Acts 13:15-16, 26-39; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30 (CW -21, Series C)
Answers to Today’s Gospel Lesson Brief Study:
- John says this was now Jesus’ third appearance. The previous two times were in Jerusalem: Easter evening and the following Sunday evening. (See John 20).
- Peter and the others caught 153 fish. This is not trivia, but the mark of an eyewitness account.
- The last time Jesus and Peter were involved with an outdoor fire, Peter denied that he even knew Jesus (see John 18:18). Now Jesus will officially reinstate Peter.
This week I am praying for……