Let the Thanks Come Out. #28

Lots of times we allow ourselves to become so wrapped up in the struggles of this world and this moment that we lose sight of the bigger picture of what is going on outside and around us and in eternity. We are given a glimpse in Revelation 4:

 6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:
“Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!”
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
11 “You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created.”

The apostle John had been taken out and above the limitations of this life to get a glimpse of the presence of Christ in heaven, to experience true worship. And as overwhelming as everything around the throne was, all focus is on the One Who is in the throne, the Creator. He is worthy of worship because He has created all things, including us, the beauty of the universe, and the stuff and people we worry and argue about.  True worship includes three elements: giving Him glory and honor and thanks: confessing that He is Right in His plan and purpose; He is Perfect in His character and holiness, and He has been Good to us, because He is Good. There is this sense in which giving Him thanks flows from recognizing His glory and position over all, and that if we are not thanking Him, we are missing out on the fullness of worship. Like the nine lepers Jesus healed who never said thanks, we are prone to not take the time to thank Him, not give Him the honor He deserves as Lord of the universe, and often doubt His plan and purpose as Creator. May we give Him glory and honor and thanks.