Worship in Heaven

 

                                                                                                  
Sunday Thought -12
Worship In Heaven
Text: Revelation 4&5
 
The scene of the worship in heaven revealed by the Lord Jesus to Apostle John is a beautiful narrative in the book of Revelation. We often use this passage to recall the honor and worth ascribed to God in worship. Let us make a fresh look at this scene of the worship in heaven.
 
The scene of this worship
 
John sees twenty five thrones in heaven: One on which the One who lives for ever is being seated (v.2, 3). Another twenty four thrones on which twenty four elders are sitting dressed in white robes wearing crowns (v. 4).  Other living objects were the seven Spirits of God (v.5) and the four living Creatures (v. 6, 7). The living creatures do have a noble task to perform:  ceaseless declaring of the holiness of God in worship (v.8).Further, John sees a lamb as though he is slain coming and taking the Scroll (of judgment) having authority to open the seals of the scroll (5:1-10).The whole scene of worship is centered around these two personalities.
 
The Objects of this worship
 
John sees every living object in heaven worship the one who is seated on the throne, the one who lives forever (v. 9-11). After the Lamb came and took the scroll from the right hand of Him who sat on the throne (5:7), all the living objects exalts the Lamb in worship (v.8-12). Then, all proceeds worshipping the One who is seated on the throne and the Lamb (v. 12-14). No one else receives the worship. The objects of this worship in heaven are the One who lives for ever and the Lamb that was slain for the redemption of mankind.
 
The intention behind showing this scene.
 
Why this worship scene is revealed to John? I would make three premises.
 
1. That is what is there to see in heaven. All the living objects engaged in worshipping God is a continuous scene in heaven, motivating all who observes it to join the crowd in worshipping God.
 
2. It is intended to encourage the people of God on earth who undergoes the evils of persecutions. John himself was a victim of that at this time. The heavenly scene of worship would communicate to them the ultimate victory of God and thereby their victory as well.
 
3. It is a corrective measure intended for the church on earth. In the previous two chapters (ch. 2&3) The Lord himself makes an evaluation of the churches and tells them where corrections are necessary. Followed by that is this scene of worship in heaven. The intention is that the church might perceive correctly her higher and nobler call. That she is a heavenly community and is expected to value the things that are valued in heaven in her life and conduct while on earth.  
 
Considering the worship in heaven has to elevate the church on earth to a higher level. When the church gathers together for worship, this elevation of her status has to take place. Even in persecution, the church should take strength from the worship of heaven- an assurance of the ultimate overcoming of all evils. 
 
A motivation for better conduct; an inspiration for self correction; a desire for offering true and acceptable worship all should stem from this scene of worship.   Disunited church coming together to worship and people who live in sin joining for worship are to be considered in the light of this heavenly worship to which the church is called to join ultimately.
 
As we prepare to worship God this week, let us see that the heavenly worship is the model and motivation for our worship today.  

Yours in The gloriuos ministry of God
Joji George Abraham