After these things I saw, and behold, a door was standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I heard, like a trumpet [cf. Rev. 1:10], said to me, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things." Rev. 4:1.
The scene of Revelation 4 and 5 is one of the most dramatic in the Bible. It is even more glorious in the original language than in translation. I have never read this passage in Greek without tears in my eyes and an unbelievable thrill as my mind envisions what worship in heaven must be like. The scene starts slowly but then crescendos and crescendos, until the entire universe becomes a single vast antiphonal choir ringing out the praises of he Lamb and the One sitting on the throne (Rev. 5:11-14). The scene then concludes as the four living creatures utter "Amen" followed by thunderous silence.
A danger that readers face when going through a passage such as Revelation 4 and 5 is the tendency to make too much of every detail and thereby miss its primary intent. That purpose is to set forth the greatness of the heavenly throne room, the greatness of God and, therefore, the surpassing greatness of the slain Lamb. The throne room of God lays all earthly claims to power and glory in the dust. When one has had a glimpse of the open gates of heaven, it makes no sense to continue to be afraid of earthly powers or even specific human beings. The passage invites us to shove all earthly intimidation into the shadows of God's transcending power and glory, and to acknowledge Him as the one true object of worship. When we really know Him, we will understand what true worship is all about.
It is a message I need to hear. I have often allowed other human beings to influence me away from the path God wants me to tread. I remember the 17-year-old in seventh grade who was twice my size and tried to intimidate me to shoplift some candy. I think of the conference president who questioned my commitment to ministry, causing me to excel in busywork that looked good at the office, but didn't accomplish God's best in real life.
A boss once used the time-honored technique of blackmail, with the result that I compromised my integrity in order to keep my job. Another time the influence of a teacher I admired led me to question teachings of the Bible that were perfectly clear. Can you understand why I buckled in these situations? Can you grasp the power of intimidation and human attraction that so often steer us away from God's purpose for our lives? In light of the heavenly throne room we can respond in only one way; repent, bow down, and acknowledge the only One who is truly worthy of my worship.
Lord, I feel convicted regarding the many times I have compromised my conscience to please some human being. I choose to repent and follow You alone today.
The scene of Revelation 4 and 5 is one of the most dramatic in the Bible. It is even more glorious in the original language than in translation. I have never read this passage in Greek without tears in my eyes and an unbelievable thrill as my mind envisions what worship in heaven must be like. The scene starts slowly but then crescendos and crescendos, until the entire universe becomes a single vast antiphonal choir ringing out the praises of he Lamb and the One sitting on the throne (Rev. 5:11-14). The scene then concludes as the four living creatures utter "Amen" followed by thunderous silence.
A danger that readers face when going through a passage such as Revelation 4 and 5 is the tendency to make too much of every detail and thereby miss its primary intent. That purpose is to set forth the greatness of the heavenly throne room, the greatness of God and, therefore, the surpassing greatness of the slain Lamb. The throne room of God lays all earthly claims to power and glory in the dust. When one has had a glimpse of the open gates of heaven, it makes no sense to continue to be afraid of earthly powers or even specific human beings. The passage invites us to shove all earthly intimidation into the shadows of God's transcending power and glory, and to acknowledge Him as the one true object of worship. When we really know Him, we will understand what true worship is all about.
It is a message I need to hear. I have often allowed other human beings to influence me away from the path God wants me to tread. I remember the 17-year-old in seventh grade who was twice my size and tried to intimidate me to shoplift some candy. I think of the conference president who questioned my commitment to ministry, causing me to excel in busywork that looked good at the office, but didn't accomplish God's best in real life.
A boss once used the time-honored technique of blackmail, with the result that I compromised my integrity in order to keep my job. Another time the influence of a teacher I admired led me to question teachings of the Bible that were perfectly clear. Can you understand why I buckled in these situations? Can you grasp the power of intimidation and human attraction that so often steer us away from God's purpose for our lives? In light of the heavenly throne room we can respond in only one way; repent, bow down, and acknowledge the only One who is truly worthy of my worship.
Lord, I feel convicted regarding the many times I have compromised my conscience to please some human being. I choose to repent and follow You alone today.
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