The Noise of Heaven
We left Fort Collins early this morning to come to Lakewood for our grand kids games. Caed scored three goals in his soccer game as they won. Eliana’s team didn’t fare so well, but they had fun, I think. Meanwhile Riley was riding a scooter and took a spill and hurt his knee. He is in a brace and on crutches and will not be playing in his football game this afternoon. (I think I see a fine coming for a non-football injury). This evening we are looking forward to connecting with Jim and Patsy Kerr. I served with Jim in the State House and Patsy was our bookkeeper at Teen Challenge when I was there.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Each of the four living creatures had six wings; they were covered with eyes around and inside. Day and night they never stop, saying: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is coming.” Revelation 4:8 HCSB
There is a lot that we don’t know about heaven and the presence of God; but one thing is certain; it is not quiet. As John is invited to enter an “open door” into the throne room of God. There he observes what is described as “four living creatures.” Their worship before God’s throne is described as continuing “day and night.” They extol the God who “was and is and is coming.”
Next we see twenty-four elders on thrones wearing crowns. These are often viewed as representing the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles. They bow down and cast down their crowns and worship saying, “Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 HCSB) We see the words extol God as Creator and sustainer of all things. As Revelation unfolds we see the God of creation disrupting His creation through judgments that come on the earth.
As the Lamb takes the scroll from “Him who is seated on the throne” we see more worship erupt. This time it is, “…many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands.” (Revelation 5:11 HSCB)
As the number grows the volume grows as they declare, “The Lamb who was slaughtered is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev. 5:11 HCSB)
The final depiction is now, “…every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them…” (Revelation 5:13 HCSB) This growing multitude lift their voices and shout, “Blessing and honor and glory and dominion to the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13 HCSB)
When Psalms declares, “His praise endures forever” (Psalm 111:10 HCSB) I’m not sure he could not have grasp all the John one day would see as he experiences his “revelation” of the risen Christ and glories of heaven. From four creatures, to twenty-four elders, to countless angels to “every creature” the anthem of praise reverberates through the corridors of heaven. It grows stronger and stronger and grows in mighty numbers in heaven and on earth.
This picture gives greater meaning to the final words of Psalm 150, “Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.
Hallelujah!” (Psalm 150:6 HCSB)
Our praise to the Lord today, prepares us for an eternity in His presence. It affords us the opportunity to join an activity on earth that is continually taking place in heaven. If you need a “boost” to your praise life, why not just begin with repeating these declarations found in heaven around God’s throne.
Prayer for today…. Lord, You are worthy of all praise. You are great and do great things. Thank You for redeeming us, giving us life and the promise of a future in Your glorious presence.