It's the main point. If you miss this you miss the point of everything else.
For many students of the Bible, the Book of Revelation is the most troubling and puzzling of all the Bible books. Its demonic and beastly images and horrifying plagues are enough to unsettle even the most solidly-grounded Christian. That is, unless we remain focused on the main thing.
We must never lose sight of the fact that all that unfolds in Revelation centers around the throne of Almighty God, our Father and Creator and Father of our Lord Jesus. We are reminded, amidst the plagues and judgments, of the majesty and might of our Father and the unceasing worship that occurs in His heavenly realm.
Consider this great song of worship and praise offered before the last great set of plagues poured out upon the earth:
"And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! "Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For ALL THE NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU, FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS HAVE BEEN REVEALED." (Revelation 15:3-4)
Whether rewarding the righteous or punishing the wicked, the Lord God's works are great and marvelous. All His ways are righteous and true. He alone is holy and King of all the nations. When He acts in judgment and grace, who would dare not worship and glorify Him and exalt His great name, Yahweh? When all is said and done, all nations will bow and worship.
One of the great mysteries of the Book of Revelation is how people can witness the mighty acts of God in judgment and refuse to repent. Even in judgment, God's purposes are to call people to repentance.
We enjoy the greatest privilege of all in knowing God our Father and Jesus, His created and exalted Son. We too can offer the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb as our praise.
Troublesome times are destined to come into the world before the Kingdom of God arrives, but unceasing praise is the constant around the throne of God and with the people of God. Amidst uncertainty and change, genuine heartfelt praise remains our constant.
The great invitation is for us to add our voices to the symphony of praise around the throne of God. It is our privilege to do so through word and lifestyle.
"Father, You alone are worthy. We acknowledge that You act in perfect fairness according to Your holiness. In our unsettled existence in a changing world, we acknowledge You as the only true constant. The upheaval of this age is not beyond Your notice or control but instead is directed according to Your perfect Kingdom purpose. It is our supreme privilege to add our voices in praise along with the angelic chorus that surrounds Your throne. In the name of Your Son, our Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen."
Steve
For many students of the Bible, the Book of Revelation is the most troubling and puzzling of all the Bible books. Its demonic and beastly images and horrifying plagues are enough to unsettle even the most solidly-grounded Christian. That is, unless we remain focused on the main thing.
We must never lose sight of the fact that all that unfolds in Revelation centers around the throne of Almighty God, our Father and Creator and Father of our Lord Jesus. We are reminded, amidst the plagues and judgments, of the majesty and might of our Father and the unceasing worship that occurs in His heavenly realm.
Consider this great song of worship and praise offered before the last great set of plagues poured out upon the earth:
"And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! "Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For ALL THE NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU, FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS HAVE BEEN REVEALED." (Revelation 15:3-4)
Whether rewarding the righteous or punishing the wicked, the Lord God's works are great and marvelous. All His ways are righteous and true. He alone is holy and King of all the nations. When He acts in judgment and grace, who would dare not worship and glorify Him and exalt His great name, Yahweh? When all is said and done, all nations will bow and worship.
One of the great mysteries of the Book of Revelation is how people can witness the mighty acts of God in judgment and refuse to repent. Even in judgment, God's purposes are to call people to repentance.
We enjoy the greatest privilege of all in knowing God our Father and Jesus, His created and exalted Son. We too can offer the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb as our praise.
Troublesome times are destined to come into the world before the Kingdom of God arrives, but unceasing praise is the constant around the throne of God and with the people of God. Amidst uncertainty and change, genuine heartfelt praise remains our constant.
The great invitation is for us to add our voices to the symphony of praise around the throne of God. It is our privilege to do so through word and lifestyle.
"Father, You alone are worthy. We acknowledge that You act in perfect fairness according to Your holiness. In our unsettled existence in a changing world, we acknowledge You as the only true constant. The upheaval of this age is not beyond Your notice or control but instead is directed according to Your perfect Kingdom purpose. It is our supreme privilege to add our voices in praise along with the angelic chorus that surrounds Your throne. In the name of Your Son, our Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen."
Steve
posted by steve @ 10:04 AM
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