Pure Worship



Prayer: At the name of Jesus  Ev’ry knee shall bow,

Ev’ry tongue confess Him  King of glory now.
’Tis the Father’s pleasure  We should call Him Lord,
Who from the beginning  Was the mighty Word.



In your hearts enthrone Him; There let Him subdue
All that is not holy,  All that is not true:
Crown Him as your captain In temptation’s hour;
Let His will enfold you  In its light and pow’r.



Read: Revelation 4:1-11
http://www.esvbible.org/Revelation 4:1-11



Think about It: There is no grander picture of what worship looks like than Revelation 4 & 5. Here described in vivid detail we witness the worship of the Living God by all of those in heaven. The entire Church – the 24 elders, representing the 12 Tribes of the Old Testament and the 12 Apostles of the New Testament – and all of the angels, fall down before the Creator of everything, declaring His glory and honor. In the next chapter (which is not a part of the reading for this week but might prove to be an interesting addition for your devotional time) Jesus is presented upon His ascension into heaven and given even more glory than the Father! (And yes, they are both the same God and that is confusing. Trinity is confusing. God keeps some mysteries to Himself. Deut. 29:29) This passage stretches our imagination and whatever you come up with won’t be completely  accurate. Accuracy doesn’t matter here. This passage instead fills us with wonder at the majesty of God.


The angels described in this passage deserve a second look. They are remarkable in appearance and in function. There are four different heads on these angels and their wings are covered with eyes. From the description in the passage, it sounds like they sing out God’s praises, then fold in those wings and bow down. Then upon rising, all of those eyes open as their wings unfurl and there they find something new for which to sing God’s praises! And this has been happening since the day of their  creation! Their praises incite the praises of the Church and so the 24 Elders bow down as well. What a fantastic picture.


Our worship seems pale and weak in comparison. And yet God covets our worship, for it is born out of a heart of love. When our hearts are broken in repentance and our spirits are bowed in humble adoration for our King, God is pleased. Our praises mingle with those of these fantastic creatures and the heavens resound with the rightful worship of the Living God. We are a part of that!



Prayer: Christians, this Lord Jesus  Shall return again
In His Father’s glory, With His angel train;
For all wreaths of empire   Meet upon His brow,
And our hearts confess Him  King of glory now.



        Glory then to Jesus, Who, the Prince of light,
To a world in darkness  Brought the gift of sight;
Praise to God the Father; In the Spirit’s love
Praise we all together Him who reigns above.

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