Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 4
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

I won't pretend to know the meaning of this chapter. Creatures with eyes front and behind, an ox, eagle, lion, twenty four thrones holding twenty four elders. Thunder, trumpets, seven torches not to mention the seven spirits of God. I'm not sure what all this means. There are those who know more. Thousands of pages written on the meaning of it all. You could spend a life time studying this chapter, striving to figure it out.

When I read it, one impression comes to mind. We serve a gigantic, powerful, incredible God and He deserves to be praised. This is not a chapter full of thanksgiving for the things God has done, for the blessings He bestows. No, this is a reading full of fierce praise for the One whose very nature commands it.

Day and night the creatures never cease praising God.

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.

Revelation 4:8

And when the twenty-four elders hear it, they fall before Him declaring His glory, casting their crowns before the throne. Friends, this is praise. All in heaven understand their place in the presence of our Savior. The questions is, do we? How long has it been since you praised God for who He is... mighty, powerful, the Most High? Let's take our place and praise God along with the elders. Let's cast our crowns before His throne and cry out:

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.

Revelation 4:11

Amen.