2006 OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY
photos courtesy AP & freep.com, 02/11/06
Worship in Heaven
1Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me with the sound of a mighty trumpet blast. The voice said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things." 2And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it! 3The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones--jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 4Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. 5And from the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven lampstands with burning flames. They are the seven spirits of God. 6In 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. 7The first of these living beings had the form of a lion; the second looked like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth had the form of an eagle with wings spread out as though in flight. 8Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty--
the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come."
9Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down and worship 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 everything,
and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created."
WHAT DOES JOHN'S FUTURE GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN REALLY MEAN?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes help us understand:
4:1 Chapters 4 and 5 record glimpses into Christ's glory. Here we see into the throne room of heaven. God is on the throne and orchestrating all the events that John will record. The world is not spinning out of control; the God of creation will carry out his plans as Christ initiates the final battle with the forces of evil. John shows us heaven before showing us earth so that we will not be frightened by future events.
4:11 The point of this chapter is summed up in this verse. All creatures in heaven and earth will praise and honor God because he is the creator and sustainer of everything.
A few days ago, we watched people from different nations and languages come together for an event that will last for two weeks. Some day, people from different nations and languages will be brought together for an event that will last for eternity.....the worship of Christ The King! Be there!
- Today's passage of scripture is a little longer and full of many details. Read it over several more times this week.
- Write God a note in your journal about what you are looking forward to about going to Heaven.
- Take an extra thirty minutes some time this week just to worship Christ. Let His Spirit use this time to help you anticipate the incredible glory of Heaven.
Daily Devos is published Monday through Friday. Archives can be found at YFC.ORG. Its purpose is to help you apply truths from God's Word every day.
Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been involved with Youth For Christ for 30 years. He's served as Campus Life Staff, as a writer, and in leadership for the DCLA Conferences. Byron is married to Linda and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, and a daughter in college. He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.