There is a remarkable passage of Scripture found in the fourth chapter of the book of Revelation. It is notable for many reasons, but perhaps its most extraordinary feature is that the Apostle John peers through the open door of heaven and reveals to us what many scholars label as the first recorded worship service in heaven. As they appear before the heavenly throne, we are introduced to four unique heavenly living creatures and 24 elders who are viewed while worshipping God. One of the most interesting facets of this scene is that the four living creatures are glorifying God for who He is, and the 24 elders are worshipping Him for what He has done.
There is certainly a myriad of thoughts that run through the minds of any student of this section of Scripture. However, it is interesting to note that living creatures can only understand the nature of God, and based on this alone, they worship. On the other hand, if the 24 elders represent the raptured Church as many, including me, believe, they can also fully understand what God has done. This then gives them an additional reason for the adoration of their Redeemer. In this particular instance, it is the reality of God as the creator of the universe.
Similarly, when Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee and saved the disciples from sure doom, Matthew records in his Gospel in the 24th chapter that it was then that the disciples actually worshipped Jesus for the first time. So, while all of nature and all living things will worship God for who He is, only Christ’s Church, made up of true believers, can worship Him for what He has done. True worship and praise flow naturally from a thankful heart. That’s what Scripture tells us that we will be doing someday in heaven, along with all those who are followers of Christ who have submitted to His lordship in their lives. Since our primary reason for being in heaven will be to praise God from a spirit of thankfulness, just maybe we should rethink our earthly worship of God, or the lack thereof as the case may be.
The precious and ultimate gift of God’s own Son, Jesus Christ, who came to earth as a man, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary death for our sins, and rose from the dead on the third day is certainly something of greatest worth. Such a wonderful and eternal gift demands our thankfulness, but also our praise and worship, not only for who God is but also for what He has done for us.
By the way, during this time of year, maybe this heavenly example of thankfulness is worth noting in our own personal relationships as well. Too often, our words of love and appreciation for those we care for the most are spoken with trite words and lukewarm emotions. How often do we end a conversation with a quick “love you” that amounts to not much more than a byword for “goodbye”? It might just be worth a try to stop long enough to look into the eyes of your spouse, child, parent, or friend and simply say, “I am thankful for you.” Make sure, if they really mean something to you, that those you hold dear fully understand that you are thankful both for who they are and for what they have done in your life. Who knows, even the smallest of steps of thankfulness and appreciation might be the very catalyst to mend a broken relationship. At the very least, our holidays will hold a little more cheer and a little less stress if our loved ones really get the message of how important they are to us. It’s certainly worth a try — what do you have to lose?
Your friends at Southern Evangelical Seminary wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful time with your family and friends.
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