Text:
Revelation 5
Thought:
This morning we'll sing "Revelation Song" and I will again be struck by the line "sing a new song to him who sits on heaven's mercy seat". In preparation for this morning I studied the meaning of "mercy seat" in scripture to deepen my thoughts before and experience during this song. Listen to how the Dictionary of Biblical Imagery defines the idea of the "seat" in scripture: "In Scripture, imagery of the 'seat' focuses on a special role or authority deserving of reverance . . . this is epitomized by the single most prominent seat in the Bible the 'mercy seat'." The mercy seat is a foreshadowing of Christ in the Old Testament (i.e. the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant) which is realized in the death of Christ in the New Testament and has eternal consequences for all of heaven and earth. In Revelation 5 Christ has the authority to open the scroll when no one else does and yet he appears to have been slain. This juxtaposition of imagery (authority and sacrifice) humbles and surpasses me. This morning I worship Christ who has all authority (Matt 28:18) and yet who is merciful and has sacrificed his life for mine.
Application:
BE AMAZED! this morning as we sing to Christ who sits on "heaven's mercy seat" be overwhelmed by his power and his authority and also his mercy towards us sinners.
