The Throne of God
“Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “ ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.” Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
OBSERVATION
John sees something only a few men and women have seen in their lifetime, the throne of God. Four creatures made for one purpose, to view the uncreated God and respond, are overwhelmed by the sight and cry out ‘HOLY, HOLY, HOLY’. The word Holy means perfect and sacred and when a word or phrase is repeated in scripture it’s to emphasize that concept, Holy not just once, Holy, not just twice, but HOLY a third time. This Holiness is the purest, most true form of perfect excellence, one that can only exist on the throne of God. A Holiness so powerful that these four creatures, build to view God, are overwhelmed completely. This moment is so powerful it causes the twenty-four men and women honored by Heaven to remove their crowns and give their honor back to God.
APPLICATION
What is it that makes the creatures cry out day and night as they use their many eyes to see God’s Holiness? It’s found in the words of the elders as they respond to the declaration of the creatures, the worthiness of God to receive all honor and glory. Sometimes it’s hard for me to connect with what the creatures and elders feel. I find myself doubting a Holy God is close me in my struggle or when I feel alone. In those moments I try to take the perspective of John and watch as these creatures and elders respond to God. I feel John’s expression of awe and confusion as he’s witnessing something so powerful he has trouble putting words down on the page. In this moment I imagine how I would have responded, would I have crumbled to my knees like the elders? Would I have been able to stand in the presence of this type of Holiness? Then I remember Jesus’ prayer in John 17 that invites me into the unity that He has with God the Father. As believers we are invited into the Holy place with God through Jesus. We are built to view this scene just like John because Jesus grants us access. Jesus’ invitation is not just to enter but to look at God on the throne, call Him Father, and sit on His lap as a son or daughter. This invitation is beautiful and powerful and it’s yours.
PrayER
“Jesus, help me to have the confidence to know I am a child of God. That even when I doubt You and when I doubt myself, to know that I have a place in the throne room where those creatures and elders are overwhelmed by that Holiness. Help me to walk in my life with the confidence that You have in Your Father. Thank You for calling me worthy, for accepting me, and for inviting me to join Your Family.”
Family
Arguing
Comparison Part 2
Jealousy
Love Thy Neighbor
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your should and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31 OBSERVATION God instructs his people...