Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” Revelation 5:13 NIV
Once again, we are given a glimpse into heaven, and what obtains there where God dwells. We are given a peek into what heaven does on a continuous basis, and as you know, time and number have no direct significance to what we know down here. A thousand years is like an evening gone to God, and the same 1 day can be like a thousand years. This is a God who was gracious enough to allow mortal man like John to come up and see the mighty things going on in heaven, so that we can adequately prepare for our final home. We have all the information we need to get it right, so I do not have an excuse if I reject God.
We see heaven again, and see that the One who sits on the throne is the centre of attention, attraction and all that goes on in heaven. He is the One who created ALL that John could see, and we are given a picture of the honour, glory and might ascribed to the One who sits on the throne. If heaven worships God this way, what excuse do I have not to do the same? If the whole of heaven, with the living creatures and trillions of angels all rever God this way, is it not expected, as one also created by God, to worship God the same way? Does the earth even know who this God is? Does it know it exists for the sole pleasure of the One who created it?
The host of heaven knows the One who sits on the throne. The reason why they could also worship him was because they also knew that the Lamb, who died for the sins of the world to reconcile man back to God is also worthy of worship. This is the key to the song in today's extract: the One who sits on the throne and the Lamb are worthy. Look again at those who now recognise authority and power: "every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them." A time is coming when, either by free choice or compulsion, EVERY knee shall bow and acknowledge that God is the Lord of all, and that Jesus is the Son of God. I have the grace and opportunity to accept him now as He has been introduced to the world, as a time is coming when it will be too late to change your mind.
"praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”. You do not use words like these for mere mortal men. The words forever and ever do not apply to the natural man. It only applies in the spiritual, as God is a Spirit, without start or end, or limits or boundaries. All who will praise and worship God like this in eternity can't rely on the natural and the earthly. A man has been given the rare privilege to see into what heaven does, and we know now how God is held in high esteem in heaven. As we look ahead to our own eternity, we exalt the name of the Lord. We worship him for who He is and what He has done. We worship him for his power, might and mercy.
Heaven does it without compulsion; I must do the same. Heaven knows the power and authority of the One who sits on the throne; I must do the same. Heaven breaks out in worship constantly; I must do the same. Heaven recognises the power of the blood that was shed so that man would be reconciled back to God and the best response to this offer and sacrifice is WORSHIP; worship from the heart, in sincerity and in truth. I do it now with joy, because I know in whom I believe. I invite you to also come to the throne, see God in all his glory, so you can worship him for who He is. He deserves it all. Do it now, from your heart. A time is coming when all of creation, without fail, will fall down in worship of The One who sits on the throne, and then there will be judgment. May we all be worthy of heaven. God's time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment