Born to Worship

Revelation 4:6–11 NKJV

6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”

Introduction:

The Majestic scene from the first five verses of this chapter, continue into these last six!

John further describes a Sea of Glass, clear as crystal, before the throne.

There is no clear understanding as to what this represents, and any attempt to identify it, would be speculation.

But, since you may like some idea, I’ll give you mine, which is not as fanciful as some.

The sea is a unified body or collection of waters. Sometimes picturing the multitudes of earthly people.

The fact that it is described as glass, could give way to the idea that it is calm with no ripples.

And it is said to be like crystal, being so clear that it is transparent.

This could be a picture of the mass of all humanity before a Holy and Righteous God, collected together, without the ability to speak against the Creator, and that He sees everything and will judge.

Then John sees Four Living Creatures.

One like the appearance of a Lion

One like the appearance of an Ox

One like the appearance of a Man

One like the appearance of an Eagle (Flying)

Ezekiel saw these four living creatures, but describes them as each having four faces of a Lion, Ox, Man, Eagle.

The fact that they are described differently is not a problem, seeing the creative ability of God to make such creatures that can morph yet sustain their individuality is a glorious praise to the Mighty God!

There is however a correlation to the four gospels.

Some have seen this, and others dismiss it.

Yet, it is well advantageous to the Christian to look at it.

The Lion represents Jesus as the King in the gospel of Matthew.

The Ox represents Jesus as the servant from the gospel of Mark.

The Man represents Jesus as the perfect man from the gospel of Luke.

The Eagle represents Jesus in His majesty from the gospel of John.

The fact that they are represented even in Ezekiel gives credence to the master plan of redemption of God from the foundation of the world.

Revelation 14:6 NKJV

6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—

There is no coincidence that the gospel (the good news), of Jesus Christ, and that is the gospel! is dispersed to us in four manuscripts. Not chance or because we lost some, but the plan of God from the beginning.

So it would make sense that the representation of that everlasting gospel would be represented at the throne of God.

But, as we see the various types and figures mentioned in these verses, and can easily get carried away with all the different ideas, let us not miss the true object of this chapter. It is about worship!!

The living creatures do not ever rest saying:

Holy, holy, holy,

Lord God Almighty,

Who was and is and is to come!

And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor to God, The twenty four Elders cast their crowns before the throne saying:

You are worthy, O Lord,

To receive glory and honor and power;

For You created all things.

And by Your will they exist and were created.

It seems like a perpetual ritual that leaves no room for anything else!

But I think the ritual depicts what is reflected from the heart rather than a physical event.

It’s like when Paul says that we are to pray without ceasing in 1 Thes. 5:7.

We have here the real heart of praise and worship of the redeemed in Heaven.

In other words we worship day and night!

And it will be the pleasure and desire of all the redeemed, because there will be nothing to blind us from the beauty and majesty of almighty God!

Man was created for this!

Man was created to worship God!

And so, there’s three things that will be different:

I. Clear Vision

At the throne of grace, we will see everything clearly.

1 Corinthians 13:12 NKJV

12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

II. Right Thinking

At the throne of grace we will have the mind of Christ.

John 4:34 NKJV

34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.

III. Pure Desires

At the throne of grace, we will want nothing but Him!

Luke 9:23 NKJV

23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

Conclusion:

My friends, we have one life to live!

And that life belongs not to us, but to Him who has called us into this marvelous grace in which we stand.

Our sole reason for existence is to worship God, but we cannot truly worship Him, unless we surrender everything to Him.