Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 WORSHIP - THE CELEBRATION OF FAITH

 Revelation 4:1-11

“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.”

Revelation 4:1-11 depicts a scene of worship in heaven. This was written in days when persecution was raging, between the reign of Nero and Domitian; and therefore, in a context of violent crisis for the Church. It gives us a hope that even when you come to grips with the worst difficulties, remain confident in the Almighty Power of God. He promised to save His people from all evil. This heavenly vision clearly says that God is in control of this world. He rules this world and will bring events to a meaningful conclusion.
Let's see the major focus of heavenly worship
1. Worship – an invitation for an entry into the heavenly experience
St John looked, and there before him a door standing open in heaven. And the voice heard speaking to him like a trumpet said; " Come up here". The Christians and shaken in their faith; so harsh is the persecution that they are filled with anguish about the fate of the Church. Then John tells them that this trial will last only for a time: the persecutors will not be victorious forever... God will have the final say. The long list of images here makes us realize, visually, the greatness and power of God, Master of the universe. Every worship is an invitation for an entry into the heavenly experience. There we experience the heavenly joy, gladness and the deliverance.
2. Worship- an invitation to stand before the immovable throne
The key word in this chapter is "throne" occurring no less than 14 times. Every thrones in this world are perishable and changing but the throne of God is immovable which symbolizes his sovereign power and authority. Millenniums before this David wrote, " The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all" (Ps. 103:19). The scene pictures a rightly ordered universe in which God is at the center. Around the throne are four living creatures, who represent the created order. All creatures join in praising God. St. John had seen many thrones of Empires and Kings and they all perished. God's throne is not perishable. Worship is an invitation to stand before the immovable throne of God.
3. Worship- an invitation to cast down our crowns 
The elders are the heavenly representatives of the community of faith. As they cast down their crowns before the throne, they recognize that God and not the elders is Lord of all. God is praised for being the creator of all things. Our worship will be completed only when we ready to lay down our crowns of pride, self-worth, hypocrisy before the throne of God.
4. Worship- an invitation to celebrate our faith
Worship is the manifestation of our faith. Only through faith can we wholeheartedly participate and engage in a meaningful worship. The living creatures in heaven, day and night, they never stop saying: " Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come". When we gather together to worship the God Almighty, we are joining the heavenly hosts and giving glory, honor and thanks to the God who sits on the throne.

Prayer

I pray that all we say and do would give glory to you and that one day we may cast our crowns before your feet. In Jesus’s wonderful name. Amen. 
 


Nissy Cherian
Mar Thoma Church of Staten Island

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