04/24/2008

Revelation 5:11 - 14 (HCSB)

¹¹Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures, and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands. ¹²They said with a loud voice:
    The Lamb who was slaughtered is worthy
    to receive power and riches
    and wisdom and strength
    and honor and glory and blessing! ¹³I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say:
    Blessing and honor and glory and dominion
    to the One seated on the throne,
    and to the Lamb, forever and ever! ¹⁴The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

The book of Revelations was written by the Apostle John. In his elder years, he was exiled to the island of Patmos. Here, in his solitude, he witnessed this vision that he records. Much of the Revelation is cryptic to us. It is called the Apocalypse because of the cryptic nature of the writing. However, I do not believe that John was sending any secret messages (as some have supposed) to the churches, but rather, he recorded what he saw in the vision. Prophecy is rarely given in clear images. It is given to us to consider and meditate on; to think about and seek the wisdom of God in understanding.

In this vision, John sees the throne room of God (or a representation of it). And there seated is the “Lamb of God;” that is, Jesus. The events that occur at Jesus’ presence is worthy of our consideration.

The Greek word used in this verse for the number of angels is “myriad”, in fact it is “a myriad of myriads.” We use the word myriad to represent a vast uncountable number. And I think it would be safe to say that *all* the angels of Heaven took place in this recitation. Everyone in Heaven gave reverence to the Lamb on the throne.

Yet, many times we treat Jesus as though he were just another human, maybe even a very special human.

I think it would do us well to remember that those who understand Jesus’ role in the creation of the universe cannot help but praise Him. We also should humble ourselves and give Jesus the praise that He so rightly deserves.

For it is said that regardless of what anyone believes about Jesus, there will come a day when they will see and understand Jesus for who He really is. At that time, everyone will be compelled to honor Him.

Philippians 2:9 - 11 (HCSB)

⁹For this reason God also highly exalted Him
    and gave Him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow—
    of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth— ¹¹and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

Why not honor Jesus now? Take time to remember Jesus for his majesty and glory.

Terms of Usage: This devotional may be copied or forwarded for personal use without permission, but must include the author, publisher, web link, and copyright notice. Use in another published work must obtain permission first.

[ Previous ] [ Up ] [ Next ]