Thursday, December 14

THURSDAY, DECEMEBER 14, 2017

 

“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)

 

 

In today’s passage from Revelation, we find several successive sets of worship coming from the four living creatures and the 24 elders (8–10); a multitude of angels (11,12); and “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them.” (13)  Revelation includes several mentions of triumphant worship from both angels and every living creature.  In theological terms, we might describe this heavenly worship as the teleological purpose of each created being and thing:  to bring glory and honor to God.

 

From the passage, we understand that Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is fully worthy to receive praise, honor, glory, and power.  Slain to carry the sins of the world, Christ “purchased” the redeemed for God “with your blood.” (9)  Through faith in Christ’s atoning work, people “from every tribe and language and people and nation” have become “a kingdom and priests to serve our God,” who “will reign on the earth.” (9,10)

 

Even today, we may prepare for this teleological purpose that God has prepared.  We may celebrate God’s awesome character and His amazing work poured out into our lives and the lives of those around us.  As we have recently reviewed at Grace, worship and gratitude are closely intertwined.  As we reflect on God’s character, the time will call forth both worship and gratitude.

 

While in college, a wonderful leader who had discipled me and some friends challenged us to remember how God had worked in our lives over the previous semester.  We created “stones” like the ones that the Israelites deposited as a memorial after seeing the River Jordan stand still (Joshua 4:8,9).  I have continued this practice on a yearly basis, looking to record the top two to five ways in which God has demonstrated His faithfulness.  This exercise helps to embed memories of God’s goodness and mercy.  Would you be willing to consider doing that for 2017?

 

 

Lord God, thank You that we may anticipate an amazing time of worshipping You in heaven.  Prepare our hearts in this Christmas season to worship You fully, instead of becoming overwhelmed or unfocused.  Give us joy in knowing You and in fellowshipping with family and friends.  Point out those events or changes in 2017 where You showed Your faithfulness.  In Jesus’s precious Name, amen.

 

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