March 1

Title: “What’s The Difference?” 

Scripture:
Revelation 5:6-10 “And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

Observation:
What an interesting vision! The Revelation of Jesus is one of the most interesting and difficult and rich and blessed books of the bible! But, here, Jesus is seen as, “the Lamb, as though it had been slain” (v.6). AND, HE has “made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth” (v.10). So two thoughts! First, is Jesus, through His death on the cross FOR us, has won the victory over our sin, and the fear of death and the evil one! Second, THAT makes a difference! So what’s the difference? Well, words like: “kingdom” and “priests” and “reign” stick out! AND, there’s a LOT we could say about these! There’s a RICH study available in this, if we’ll pursue it! But, the verse that comes to mind for me is from Peter’s first epistle:
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” - 1 Peter 2:9
So, BECAUSE the “Lamb was slain”, WE have become “a royal priesthood”! And our life’s purpose is to “proclaim the excellencies of Him (Jesus)”!

Application:
So HOW will you “proclaim the excellencies” of Jesus today? Perhaps start with corporate worship and instead of just standing there during the music, choose to “proclaim the excellencies of Jesus”! Then throughout your day, find ways to speak of how GOOD Jesus has been to you! Tell someone what you’re THANKFUL for because of HIM! Share with someone what you find to be “excellent” about God!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, THANK YOU for your excellencies that You have shown through Your cross! Thank You for saving us! Thank You for calling me INTO Your Kingdom and service! Help me to have a deeper understanding of Your work and Your desires for my life and teach me through Your Word what it means to “proclaim” with ALL of my life how GOOD YOU ARE! Amen!

Pastor Tim