Worthy is the Lamb
A Message by Norb Kohler
Introduction: A Pastor’s Heart
Norb Kohler, a longtime friend of Pastor John, shared from his experience of 30 years in pastoral ministry, offering a post-Easter message rooted in deep reverence for the gospel and encouragement for the church body.
He opened by honoring the weight pastors carry weekly, highlighting the privilege and burden of bringing God’s word to the people. Though now on an extended sabbatical, his heart still burns with a passion for the Word—and today, that word centers on one resounding phrase: “Worthy is the Lamb.”
Main Passage
Revelation 5:1–13 (ESV)
This powerful apocalyptic vision unfolds as the Apostle John weeps because no one is found worthy to open the scroll—until one is revealed: the Lamb who was slain.
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12)
The Eternal Timeline: Jesus in All of Time
To understand the gravity of John's vision, Norb encourages us to view life from an eternal perspective:
Eternity past and eternity future stretch out like an infinite line.
At the center of this line is the cross—where God, in Jesus, puts on human skin to correct what was broken in humanity.
From Adam’s fall onward, our “spiritual DNA” has been corrupted.
But Jesus—the pre-existent, worthy Lamb—stepped into time to redeem us.
This act isn’t isolated to history—it’s eternally effective, applying past, present, and future.
“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
What Does It Mean That the Lamb is Worthy?
When the Lamb takes the scroll, heaven erupts in worship, proclaiming seven attributes He is worthy to receive. These aren’t just lofty praises—they are real spiritual deposits God wants to impart into the lives of believers:
1. Power
“According to the power at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)
This is not ordinary strength—it's divine dunamis, explosive power working through us. Even when we feel weak, God strengthens and empowers us to live for Him.
2. Wealth
“Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)
This isn’t materialism—this is divine abundance, the richness of God's presence, poured out for us. We are spiritually rich because of His generosity.
3. Wisdom
“In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2–3)
God generously offers wisdom to navigate life. His Spirit guides us when we don’t know what to do. Through prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel, wisdom flows from the Lamb.
4. Might
“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
This refers to raw, redemptive strength—God’s authority pushing back darkness. When life hits hard—through sickness, addiction, or trials—His might sustains us.
“The enemy seeks to devour... but the Lamb fights for you.”
5. Honor
“By your blood, you ransomed people for God from every tribe.” (Revelation 5:9)
This is judicial honor—we are declared not guilty because of the Lamb. His sacrifice gives us access to God and restores our identity as His children.
6. Glory
“The Word became flesh and we have seen His glory.” (John 1:14)
God stepped down—not expecting us to ascend to Him, but descending to us, bringing the weight of His glory into the messiness of our lives.
“No other religion shows God stepping down to walk with us.”
7. Blessing
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)
The Greek word eulogia means “a good word.” Jesus is God’s good word, spoken over your life. The blessing of Christ is that you are now in Him, and He is in you.
It’s Already Done
We often live as if we're still earning God's favor. But the truth is:
“It is finished.”
All seven blessings—power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing—have been imputed to you. You don’t earn them; you receive them by faith.
Whether your life is in a season of victory or brokenness, whether you’re full of faith or barely holding on—He is walking with you.
Final Encouragement
This journey we’re on will end in eternity, but every day until then, we live in the already finished work of Christ. Let His attributes strengthen you this week:
Walk in His power
Receive His wisdom
Stand in His might
Rest in His blessing
Prayer
“Lord, thank you for the finished work of the cross. Help us to live daily in your power, wisdom, and blessing. Walk with us through trials and strengthen our hearts with your eternal truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.”