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Worship in Heaven

4 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” ² And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. ³ The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. ⁴ Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. ⁵ From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit^[b] of God. ⁶ In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.

In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. ⁷ The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. ⁸ Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
    the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”

⁹ Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,

¹¹ “You are worthy, O Lord our God,
    to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
    and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

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John gives us a glimpse into heaven as cherubim, angels, and humans worship before the Lord. The words of their praise song are simple and instructive. In God’s presence, everything becomes crystal clear. These superiorly intelligent creatures understand the most basic, fundamental, foundational truth of all eternity—that they exist to bring God pleasure. Many of us humans still on earth fail to fully grasp that we also exist, were created, to bring God pleasure. There is an important between understanding this truth and finding fulfillment here on earth, no matter what our circumstances are. When we bring God pleasure, we discover pleasure.

Every day, each of us has a choice to make, either to live to bring ourselves pleasure or live to bring God pleasure. If we live to bring ourselves pleasure, our lives will become frustrated, unhappy, unfulfilled, and empty; but the day we chose to bring God pleasure, we will suddenly find fulfillment, satisfaction, and significance. A light bulb goes off in us as we suddenly realize, “Oh yes, Lord, this is what I am created to do and be. I am made to bring You pleasure.” This is our occupation until we move into heaven and the so much more beyond that will follow there.

Most of us have probably moved at one point in our life. When we haul the furniture into the new living space, we are left with a decision; where do we place the furniture? We have a sofa, a love seat, and an arm chair, some end tables, and the television. We can flip through magazines and brows through Pinterest. There is tons of wonderful photos about centering the furniture around a fireplace or a large window or a built in bookcase. All the pictures beautiful and inspiring, but let’s be real. We end up centering our living room around the television. And if house hunting was any indication, most people arrange their living room with the television as the focal point, too. When you use your living room to watch movies or play video games together, it makes sense.

The focal point of heaven makes sense, too. In Revelation chapter 4, John describes the colorful scene of God on His throne receiving worship from His creatures. All attention is on Him. As we focus on Him and His Words and commands, it is for His pleasure and glory. Why? Because He is worthy. He created all things by His will.

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Not only is God worthy of being the center of attention in heaven, but that is true now, too. In what way do we demonstrate that God is the focal point of our life? Is there any way you can order your physical space to show that God is the center of your attention? You could have Scripture displayed on your walls. You can have Bibles strategically placed around your house so you can have quiet time where ever and whenever for a moment. You can have worship music tuned in on your car radio. Or…….?

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“LORD, we look to You this day to walk with us and keep us serving You faithfully in Jesus’ name.”