9 And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”

— Revelation 5:9-10

I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

— Genesis 12:3

so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard.

— Isaiah 52:15

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

— Matthew 24:14

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

— Acts 1:8

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Peace and joy from God the Father and the Lord Jesus to you.

In Revelation 5 the elders’ new song announces three reasons Jesus is worthy to receive praise and exaltation. (1) Jesus is the Lamb who had been slain. He died on a cross as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice God provided to satisfy His own justice for His people. (2) Jesus’s death provides a ransom for His people. Sin and the powers of evil are cruel slave masters. With His own blood, Jesus purchased freedom for all who believe. (3) Jesus makes His people into a kingdom and priests who serve God on the earth. The Church is the community of people who advance Christ’s kingdom now and who will continue to serve in His kingdom when He returns.

The new song also powerfully asserts the global nature of Jesus’ redemption. The gospel reached people across time, geography and culture. God promised Abraham the through him all people on earth would be blessed. Isaiah spoke go God’s Servant who would sprinkle many nations. Jesus came first to His people Israel, but He also fulfilled God’s promise to bring new life to people from all nations who believe Him.