The Apocalypse has become one of my favorite books, not because of the “end of the world” theme. Oh yes, I was swept up by its prophetic content like most new believers. I could articulate all the Millennial views (Pre-, Post-, and A-) as well as their relationship to the Second Coming and the Great Tribulation. I have my studied opinion on the Anti-Christ, the various “Beasts”, the Rapture, the Seals, Bowls, Trumpets, Judgment Day, Israel’s place in modern prophetic history, and so on.
All very fascinating stuff. But there is another characteristic of John’s Apocalypse that has captured my attention and serves as a source of profound inspiration to me lately.
The Book of Revelation is a book about WORSHIP.
I find no other Bible text with more inspiring scenes of pure, passionate worship. Jesus Himself revealed these things to John in visions of what the faithful believer has waiting on the other side. Interspersed throughout the unfolding of human history that eventually leads to the rescue of God's people, and the end of human history on our planet, there are epic scenes of angelic beings, supernatural creatures, and people of every nation, tribe, and tongue - gathered around the Throne of Heaven in unified, intense worship of God and of Jesus Lamb of God and conquering King of Kings. Wow.
One of my favorite scenes is where all of Heaven mourns because no one is able to open the Scroll with seven seals. This scroll symbolized the future of mankind and end of human history. No one is able to open the seal until the Lamb of God enters the scene, takes the scroll and begins to open its seven seals. Listen to Johns description of these scene:
Rev 5:11-14
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”
14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
When we take the time to Worship, we enter a sacred place (God's presence, not the building) - and we give honor and glory and praise to the One with whom we can entrust our futures. Worship is a sublime place, where all the universe is in proper alignment and we experience the ultimate fulfillment of living out our divinely appointed purpose. There is only One who can make this possible, The Lamb of God who was slain for the sins of the world.
Worthy is the Lamb!
For His Glory,
Dave Swanson
Worship Leader