When we think of our faith, especially regarding us and Y’shua Jesus, salvation is probably one of the words that comes to our minds. Salvation, rescue from one thing or state to another, is a core element of what we believe. Today’s Holy Nougat invites us to reflect on this some more.
Revelation 7:10 NIV
[10] And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
Salvation belongs to God and the Lamb
In addition to the chorus I mentioned, the joyous Palm Sunday procession also comes to mind as I read the Nougat in its wider context. Verse 9 indicates that the multitude was waving palm branches as they sang. Thus, although the Word used here is actually ‘salvation’, I picture the festivity of Palm Sunday in Heaven. What a glorious throng!
The distinction between the two phrases is a request for rescue, ‘hosanna’, and the ascription of the deliverance power to its source, ‘salvation’. This is also rooted in context: the crowd in Revelation is already in the presence of God. They no longer need deliverance. It’s like the Song of Miriam in Exodus 15, where spontaneous praise bursts forth after the dramatic sea rescue from the Egyptians. Miriam’s praise chronicled what God has done, and ascribed to God the glory due unto His name…’ (see Psalm 29). That is exactly what the throng was doing as they worshipped before the throne.
Self-Check
In anticipation of that glorious reunion, what is our present song of glory about?
Application
Given the references to Exodus 15 and Psalm 29, we see how the song of praise originated. And the Palm Sunday accounts indicate that a similar song of praise was offered to Y’shua Jesus. But like me, you might wish for a bit more detail about the Lamb. I know that you’re familiar with the term, but you might wonder about its use in that context.
Y’shua is first directly referenced as the ‘Lamb of God’ in John 1, when John the Baptist acknowledged His divinity. Interestingly, in the context where John spoke, he was also acknowledging the salvific power of Y’shua. (Do you remember what he said – ‘Behold the Lamb of God, come to take away the sins of the world’?)
The throng’s celebratory worship echoes John the Baptist’s assertion, which is rooted in Hebrew theology. In anticipation of their release from bondage, the Children of Israel were instructed to prepare a sacrificial lamb without blemish. Its blood was to mark their doorposts so that the angel of death would pass them over (see Exodus 12). Not only was this the beginning of the Passover ritual, it was a type of Christ i.e., the Passover lamb pointed to what Y’shua would do for humanity later.
I wish to note that just as the Children of Israel had to believe and obey, so it is with us. We have to determine for ourselves that Y’shua is the Sacrificial Lamb, and allow His blood to cover the doorposts of our hearts. Then, when we gather with the countless throng in glory, we’ll also sing the wondrous song: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
Selah
Prayer
To You oh Lord be all the glory and honour and praise. Thank You for the gift of Your Son, the Lamb Who takes away all our sins. Salvation belongs to You Lord God, and Y’shua, our spotless Lamb. May Your Spirit remain with us, leading us to spontaneous praise, amen.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
