Dear Fellowship Family,

This week, as I spent some quiet time reading through the book of Revelation, I was struck by the beautiful act of worship foretold in chapter 5. The chapter opens with a mighty angel asking who is worthy to open the scroll held in the Lord’s right hand. This question is followed by John weeping at the heartbreaking realization that no one in heaven or on earth is worthy. If you stop reading there, sitting in the humbling truth that we have all fallen short of the glory of God, then it may feel as though all hope is lost. But as we all know, that’s not the end of the story.

As chapter 5 continues, an elder says to John, “Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.” (Rev. 5:5) As the Lamb appears, the elders, the angels, and all creation on heaven and earth fall down before Him to worship, saying, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive the power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Rev. 5:12) Then, they fell down and worshipped him in total submission, recognizing and honoring His sacrifice.

As we approach Easter, let us remember the One who is worthy to open the scroll. Remember the Lamb who was slain - the son of God who pleaded in the garden, if it was God’s will, to remove His burden. Remember His humiliation. Remember His suffering. Remember the betrayal by His friends. Remember how He bore the weight of our sin and shame. Remember how He cried out at His death. And as we remember, let us also celebrate His triumphant and victorious resurrection. Let us give thanks that He conquered death. Let us praise Him for cleansing, redeeming, and embracing us when we have done nothing to deserve it. Let us worship Him.

I know Easter may look different for many of us this year as some churches remain closed and others are open with only limited capacity, but remember that WE are His church. Wherever you are and whoever you are with, this year as we worship, let us worship as all heaven and earth will one day worship – knees bent, in total submission, declaring His greatness. After all, He is worthy of all our praise.

In humbled worship,

Dr. Kathryn M. Teston