Honoring the Lamb and the One on the Throne
Have you ever paused to think about how rarely God gets the praise He deserves in our world today? Let’s be honest: our culture isn’t exactly enthusiastic about acknowledging the One who created and sustains all things. Courtrooms and classrooms have systematically removed God from public discourse, and society seems more focused on exalting itself than bowing in awe before its Creator. But Revelation 5:13 gives us a breathtaking glimpse of a future moment when all of creation will resound with praise for God and the Lamb. Let’s talk about what this means and why it matters.
The source of this praise is absolutely staggering. John writes, “Every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them” will join this symphony of worship. Can you imagine that? Every creature—from the angels in heaven to humanity on earth, even to the condemned souls under the earth—will declare God’s glory. Yes, even in hell, there will be no cursing or blaspheming. Those who rejected God in life will still bow the knee in eternal acknowledgment of His majesty, but it will be a praise filled with unimaginable regret and agony. That thought should sober us. Praising God is a blessing when done in life, but to wait until it’s too late robs it of joy and turns it into a lament.
The specifics of the praise mentioned in this passage are profound: “Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power.” These words give us a picture of worship that is rich and multidimensional. God is praised for His character, His sovereignty, His radiance, and His omnipotence. It’s a stark contrast to the current climate, where God is often marginalized or outright dismissed. But imagine a world where every voice—human, angelic, and even the natural world—joins in acknowledging His worth. That’s the world God promises, and it’s a hope worth clinging to.
The subject of this universal praise is the Father and the Lamb. John specifically mentions “him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” The throne signifies God the Father’s sovereign rule, while the Lamb points us to Christ’s work on the cross. What’s incredible is that the Lamb who was scorned, mocked, and crucified will one day be exalted by all. This picture of Christ receiving the honor He so richly deserves reminds us of Philippians 2:10–11: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
The season of this praise will last “forever and ever.” Think about that. The worship that begins in that great moment of universal praise will never end. Unlike the fleeting distractions of our current world, this praise will echo throughout eternity. No courts, no human institutions, and no rebellious hearts will ever be able to silence it. It will be an eternal Hallelujah, unending and unstoppable. That’s the destiny of creation, and it’s a destiny worth living for now.
What does this mean for us today? It’s easy to become disheartened when we see how little reverence our culture gives to God. But Revelation 5:13 reminds us that the story isn’t over. There’s a day coming when the entire universe will recognize the One who deserves all glory. So why wait? Start practicing now. Praise Him with your words, your actions, and your life. Join the eternal choir even before the final curtain rises.
If you’re reading this and wondering whether your voice will join that joyous chorus or the lamenting one, let me encourage you: don’t wait until it’s too late. The Lamb who will be praised forever is the same Savior who invites you into His grace today. Accept His love, and let your life become a song of worship that echoes into eternity.
Read more about the praise and worship of God in this article by Desiring God.
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