Faith & Insight: Worthy is the Lamb

What do you give to the person who already has everything? How do you express your gratitude to the Lamb who has, in His great love, sacrificed His all for you?

Only an ingrate would reason that the Lamb needs nothing, that nothing need be given to the Lamb. We give to the Lamb not because He is needy, but because He is worthy and we are grateful. (Romans 12:1-2)

The four living creatures and the 24 elders of heaven sing a song to the worthy Lamb, recorded in the book of Revelations 5:9-12:

"You are worthy to take the scroll

And to open its seals,

Because You were slain,

And with Your blood you purchased

Men for God from every tribe

And language and people and nation."

The heavenly multitude chimes in:

"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,

To receive power and wealth and

Wisdom and strength and honor

And glory and praise!"

The omnipotent Lamb owns the cattle on a thousand hills. His wisdom is greater than Solomon's. His strength is greater than Samson's. Honor, glory and praise belong to Him.

Though He needs nothing, we owe to the Lamb everything. What do you give to the One who has everything? Give of your seven-fold best: power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise! Worthy is the Lamb!

• The Rev. Ken Haskins is pastor of First Christian Church in Carson City.