We Worship A Strong Creator
Devotional Contributor: Steve Shuman
Scripture:
Revelation 4:1-11 After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. 3 And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, 6 and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: 7 the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. 8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” 9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying…
Observation:
Ok, so I'm a very visual person. I create imagery for a living - designing brands, taking photos, using imagery to tell a story. When we do it right, the power in an image can be a humbling, powerful thing. It's no surprise that we often say a photo is worth a 1000 words. So when I read these verses, my imagination explodes with what this scene must have looked like.
First, John sees an open door. What a visual! It's the beckoning call of opportunity and possibility. John doesn't realize what's beyond the door but, boy, is he about to find out! Just like the door John approached, we often don't know what God has in store for us beyond but when we trust in His strength and awesome creativity, we can take comfort in knowing that God will provide for us. And not just provide but He goes infinitely more than that.
Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,"
What John sees upon passing through the door is incredible! The picture he paints could easily have been pulled from a Lord of the Rings movie but it's infinitely better! It's an amazing scene of thrones of precious jewels, shock-and-awe storms, unbelievable creatures and at the center of it all...the author and designer of it all, our amazing God. He created ALL of it!
This brings us to our key verse, Revelation 4:11: “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” All the incredible characters John sees in this verse are each focusing on and worshipping their creator, God! What an amazing challenge to us to give God, our creator, all our praises!
Application:
When I read this passage, I'm struck by the overwhelming power and creativity of God and I'm sure that it is even more amazing than what John shows us. Our God has NO limits on His power. None. He has never experienced a creative block. He speaks and masterpieces are made. He breathes and life is formed. And His attention to detail goes to the atomic level (and beyond). This verse challenges me to lean in to Him as my source of creativity. To go to God with the things I'm struggling with or can't understand. And then, when He provides a solution, to give Him the credit (glory) for His wisdom and generosity. Glorifying Him for giving us the awesome privilege and ability to create and be creative. What things are you struggling to create that you need to release to Him? What things have you created that you need to give God credit for?
Request:
Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! — Father God, we worship you as our creator and provider. We confess that we often lean on our own strength. Forgive us for not giving you the glory for all that you do in our lives. Please help us to recognize daily that you are our source of all creativity. Help us use the gifts you've given us to bless others! We love you and thank you for the excellence in your creation. Amen