Key Verse: “They cast their crowns before the throne and say, Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honour and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:10b-11 CSB)
Have you ever wondered what it’s going to be like in heaven? The Scriptures tell us that it is where the fullness of God’s presence dwells, a place of abundant joy and everlasting pleasure (Psalm 16:11). Whatever it will be like exactly, we will definitely not be disappointed!
In Revelation 4, the Apostle John starts to outline the details of the second vision that he received from God. This vision begins with a glimpse into heaven, and specifically the throne room of God. With “flashes of lightning and rumblings and peals of thunder” (v.5) coming from the throne, the imagery that John uses is rich in describing the majesty and glory of God.
In the vision, John speaks about the perpetual activity that is occurring around the throne of God. Those who are there are in a constant state of worship. The four living creatures never stop saying, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is and who is to come” (v.8). The twenty-four elders “cast their crowns before the throne” (v.10) in worship to God. As they do, they continue to cry out to the Lamb, “You are worthy” (v.11). Forever and ever, worship is being given to God.
Why such worship? Why is there such reason for continual praise and honor being given to God? As they worship God, those surrounding His throne speak to the reason for their worship. “You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power,” they say, “because you have created all things and by your will they exist and were created” (v.11).
One of the reasons why Jesus is always worthy of our worship is because He is the Creator. Everything that exists is because He has made it. Every star, every blade of grass, every fish in the sea, and everything else in this world that is both seen and unseen has it’s being because of God. As the Creator and Sustainer of life, Jesus is worthy of our praise, because we are His creation and our lives are in His hands.
Another reason why Jesus is so worthy of our worship is because He is “the one seated on the throne” (v.9). Regardless of what is happening around us, even when it feels like we are surrounded by chaos and turmoil, Jesus sits on the throne in heaven. He holds all power and is sovereign over all. Nothing can thwart His purposes and plans. He rules and reigns as the King of kings and Lord of lords. As such, He deserves our praise and honor and glory. He is always worthy.
As we prepare for Easter, spend some time today reflecting on the worthiness of God. Consider why Jesus is always worthy of our praise. All blessing and honor and glory and power belong to Him, the One who is seated on the throne. He has given us another breath. He gave His life to give us ours. He continues to love us, even when we don’t love Him back. He is patient and gracious toward us, even as we continue to stumble forward and work out our salvation. There are plenty of reasons to worship Him today.
Invite God today to grant you greater clarity of His worthiness above all. Ask Him to help you not just worship Him with your words, but with a life more fully surrendered to Him. This is what is due.
Prayer: Jesus, you are always worthy. Help me to see more clearly the greatness of who you are and all that you’ve done. Flood my heart with worship for you today, for this is what you deserve. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
