8 When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

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.

–Revelation 5:8-11

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

12 But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—

13 children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.

— John 1:12-13

1 Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.

2 Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.

— 1 John 3:1-2

At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

— Mark 13:26

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

— 1 Peter 2:9

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

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

Praise the Lord that Jesus offers salvation to all who will believe and provides the only way to God. All who find their hope and salvation in Jesus, the Lion of Judah and Lamb of God, become God’s children. Across the globe, praise and songs rise to God from all languages and cultures. God excludes no one who repents from sin and trusts His Son as Savior and Lord.

The Lamb transforms everyone He redeems and unites His people into a kingdom and priests to serve God. We, Jesus’ redeemed people shall tell others about Christ and His eternal grace. Christ’ kingdom exists among us believing in Christ’s work. His kingdom is visible in us and how we live. As we exalt Christ’s great name and cause, lesser pursuits fade in significance. One day, Jesus the Redeemer will return to consummate His visible kingdom and bring peace to the earth. All we believers will have significant work throughout His just and gracious reign. Jesus has broken sin’s stranglehold and redeemed us from empty lives. He gives us His own righteousness and His indwelling Spirit to empower our work for Him.