“And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’ And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who is seated on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘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 4:9-11
Chapter 4 of Revelation ends with 2 songs sung powerfully, humbly and with great joy before the throne and the One seated on the throne. First, we have the 4 living creatures who are the guardians of the throne. Much like the ones we see in Ezekiel 1 and 10 they are perhaps cherubim or even the seraphim of Isaiah 6. Being the guardians and bearers for the KING they would announce His greatness to all at all times. “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” They are just doing their job…the job that all creation is to do continually… glorifying the Father.
The second song is sung by the 24 elders, those who represent the Church of all ages. Again all God’s servants are seen praising Him continually. I wonder what this would do to our daily frame of mind if we actually did what God reveals and commands us to do. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”- I Thessalonians 5:16
The actions and the song of the 24 elders speak of their full body praise and worship. Taking off the crowns that God had given them as they fall down prostrate before the One on the throne, reveals the depth of their humble worship.
Three times in these closing verses of chapter 4 we see the throne of our God and KING. The word throne is used 13 times in chapter 4 alone. This tells them and us that no matter how hard times are God is still on His throne reigning, ruling, caring for His people so they and we can be assured that all things are unfolding just as they are supposed to. Under Domitian’s rule, the Roman throne was a place of fear…but God’s throne is a place of joy, song and worship in the spirit of submissiveness brought on by a heart changed to desire to submit. Without this image of an occupied throne many come to this book in fear rather than with the assurance of hope in times of hardship that it was written to generate. Martin Luther always said, “Bad theology is the worst taskmaster of all.”
The 4 living creature and the elders are an example to us today to humbly be praising the Lord with all we have, casting all that the Lord has given us back to Him in thanksgiving. They also show us the unified message and actions of the created creatures and beings around God’s throne…all as one voice seek to glorify Him forever and ever. They show us that worship is the natural response to God’s holiness and worthiness.
Today, take the time to answer the question, Why is God worthy? Do not run past this. Enumerate as many reasons as you can come up with and they will enable a fuller worship today and prepare you for worship with God’s people this Sunday, Easter, as He is risen and He is, “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.”
Soli Deo Gloria! To God be the glory!
In His Grip,
Pastor Mike
