Worthy Is the Lamb

In this pivotal message covering Revelation 5, Chuck Swindoll transitions from the throne room of God in Chapter 4 to a dramatic search for someone qualified to enact God’s final plan for history. Swindoll describes the scene where the Apostle John, transported to the third heaven, gazes upon a scroll held in the Father’s right hand. This scroll, written on both sides and sealed with seven seals, represents Christ’s “title deed to the world,” containing the judgments required to reclaim the earth from the usurper.

The narrative begins with deep distress. When a strong angel asks, “Who is worthy to open the book?” and no one in heaven or earth is found, John begins to weep greatly. Swindoll explains that this grief stems from the realization that without a worthy redeemer, the plan of redemption and judgment cannot move forward. However, the weeping is silenced by an elder who points to the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Yet, when John looks, he sees not a ferocious beast, but a Lamb standing as if slain—a profound picture of the Messiah who conquered through sacrifice [16–17].

The message culminates in a crescendo of worship. As the Lamb takes the scroll, the atmosphere shifts from anxiety to exuberant praise. Swindoll traces three distinct “waves” of worship: first, the living creatures and elders singing of personal redemption; second, myriads of angels proclaiming the Lamb’s power; and finally, every created thing in the universe joining the chorus. Swindoll concludes with an encouragement that God’s plan is “in writing” and therefore secure, inviting listeners to join the cosmic symphony that declares, “Worthy is the Lamb” [24–29, 31].

Message Key Facts:

 

• Meaning of Hallelujah: Swindoll begins by breaking down the word “Hallelujah” (or Alleluia). It is a combination of Hal (praise) and Yah (short for Yahweh). It literally means “Praise the Lord”.
• The Seven-Sealed Scroll: Swindoll explains that the scroll (biblion) in verse 1 is written on the front and back and sealed with wax. Drawing on historical context, he notes that ancient Roman contracts and wills were often written this way, with the details sealed inside and a summary on the outside. This scroll represents the “title deed” to the earth [12–14].
• The Lion and the Lamb: There is a deliberate paradox in the text. The elder announces a Lion (symbolizing the conquering King from the root of David), but John sees a Lamb (symbolizing the sacrificial Savior). Swindoll connects this image to Exodus 12, noting the Lamb still bears the marks of slaughter (“standing as if slain”) [16–17, 22].
• The Passover Connection: Swindoll takes the audience back to Exodus 12 to explain the significance of the Lamb. Just as the Israelites had to kill a spotless lamb and apply its blood to the doorposts for deliverance, Jesus is the ultimate Passover Lamb whose blood purchased men from every tribe and nation [18–21, 26].
• Three Waves of Praise: Swindoll identifies a growing circle of praise in the chapter:
  1. The Redeemed (v. 8–10): The four living creatures and 24 elders sing a “new song” about being purchased by blood.
  2. The Angels (v. 11–12): Myriads of angels (too many to count) declare the Lamb’s worthiness to receive power and riches.
  3. All Creation (v. 13): Every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea joins the anthem [25–29].
• The Weight of Glory: Swindoll closes with a story about his Hebrew professor, Dr. Bruce Waltke, defining the word “glory” (kavod). It literally means “heavy” or “weighty.” To give God glory is to acknowledge His supreme significance and “weight” above all else [36–37].
• Don Wyrtzen’s Song: Swindoll shares a personal memory of receiving a phone call from composer Don Wyrtzen, who played his newly written song “Worthy Is the Lamb” over the phone—a melody inspired directly by this text [6–7].

Message References:

• Revelation 5: The primary text detailing the scroll, the Lion/Lamb, and the worship of heaven [1–2].
• Exodus 12:3–11: The instructions for the Passover Lamb, used to illustrate the sacrificial nature of the Lamb in Revelation [18–21].
• Isaiah 53:7: Prophecy depicting the Messiah as a lamb led to the slaughter.
• John 5:21–27: Jesus’ teaching that the Father has given all judgment to the Son.
• Deuteronomy 6: Referenced regarding the “Mezuzah” (doorpost) tradition derived from the Passover instructions [19–20].

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll