Revelation 4:10-11: Hope in the Eternal Song

Rev 4:10b-11: "They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 'Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.'"

Whenever I read this passage, I imagine the sweet melodious symphony reverberating through the halls of the great heavenly throne room.  I think of the boom of unison voices, singing out in concert to the great King of all creation.  And I cannot but behold the sheer awesomeness of the sight.  Oh, to cast my eyes upon the crystal glass sea and to hear all the saints throughout the ages sing as one choral ensemble; I can think of no greater pleasure and joy through all eternity.  Although there are times in this life, that I feel the dense and drowning weight of malady and moroseness, I need only think of this great heavenly destination that John describes in his revelation to be reminded of the wonderful and majestically awesome presence of the Holy Lord God Almighty.  Amen.

Remembering the Love of God

During the most recent worship service at church, I became overwhelmed under the weight and reality of God's utter love that He has lavished upon us.  I was reading, somewhat accidentally, through Isaiah 53 and I was just struck to the core, pierced in the heart by the poignant love of God, which was shown most fully in how God had sent His Son, Christ Jesus, to suffer a horrible death by crucifixion so as to pay the debt of sin.

Jesus took upon Himself, in His very own flesh, all the concentrated iniquity and transgression of all humanity.  But He did not do it begrudgingly or with much grumbling.  Instead, He kept silent before  His persecutors and even prayed for Him during His passion.  He went as a lamb silent before the slaughter.

But, and this is the remarkable thing, that it pleased God to strike and crush Christ Jesus, His own Son.  For at His death, Christ Jesus glorified the Lord Almighty with the purest song of praise and adoration that had ever been uttered.  Moreover, Jesus condescended to human form, laying down some of His divine power and prerogative to live a perfect, sinless life before submitting Himself over to His earthly accusers to be beaten, flogged, spat upon, and ultimately hung naked from a crucifix on the side of the crossroads outside of Jerusalem.

All of this is undeniable and supported by the Holy Scriptures, yet it is nto simply static information.  No.  This should affect us, it should transform us, it should stop us in our tracks mouth-agape and in awe.  Reverence and humility seems an appropriate response to recognizing the absolute goodness of God and His amazing love for us.  It should prompt us to praise, to offer thanks, and to pray in earnest.  Let us then take the time this week to remember God, who He is and what He has done for us.