The Doxology (Revelation 4:1-11)
- Pastor Bob and Janet
- Oct 23, 2017
- 3 min read
Most mainline denominations sing the Doxology during the worship service, usually as the offering plates are being carried back to the alter. The words of this praise hymn is deeply engraved in the hearts and minds of even causal attenders. However, many people have no idea the purpose of the Doxology. The two Greek parts of the word, "doxa" and "logos" mean glory and word respectively. Therefore, when we sing this short hymn, we are giving God glory in words. Revelation 4, as well as many other chapters in Revelation, gives us a glimpse of what worship in heaven will be like. First, worship will take place at the throne of God Almighty. I imagine, from reading chapter 4, that the throne of God is breathtakingly beautiful. Additionally, worshipers will include angels, creatures, and people from every nation, tribe, people, and language. Finally, the worship in heaven is directed to God, and to our Savior, Jesus Christ, for their holiness and worthiness. The importance of the heavenly throne can never be understated. It is from there that Christ is seated at the right hand of Father God. It is from there that every event taking place on earth is being controlled. Our ability to see the throne and its purpose as described in the book of Revelation is directly related to our insight into the scripture as opened up to us by the Holy Spirit. Consequently, if we see the throne as we should, the seemingly events of chaos that are taking place in the world is just incidental.
I. The Test of Life
In other words, this becomes our test in believing Christ's ability to control the events of the universe. Do we believe that the wold is spinning out of control, or is there an all-powerful being that is in perfect control. I am sure that John's vision of the throne of God is beyond description, but he described it as best as he could. The One (Jesus) was on the throne, and he was like Jasper (a clear stone representing his power and rule, and the second stone, Sardis (a red stone representing the sacrificial blood of Christ). Around the throne, there was an emerald-like rainbow. 24 elders, dressed in white and crowned in gold, were sitting on thrones encircling the throne of God. As I read these words, my mind imagines a massive and beautiful scene of God's glory. However, rarely do I remember this scene in my everyday life. How would my life change if I intentionally thought of God in his glory controlling everything on earth from such an awe-inspiring command center?
II. The Team of Players
Verses four through seven are written in Apocalyptic Language so that Christians could understand, but the Romans who were persecuting the Christians would not be able to understand the message of Revelation. The 24 elders seated around the throne represent the 12 Old Testament Patriarchs and the 12 New Testament Apostles. The team includes Christ, who is sitting on the throne, all the supernatural players such as the elders, the living creatures, and the Spirits of God. These are our enablers as we fight the battles here on earth. All the Old Testament prophets had predicted the battles that we have faced and will face in the future. They have been, and are today, very fierce. The change agent in this world is not the government or a certain ideology. The change agent is the church - the ones who are called out to be a witness of Jesus Christ. If we employ all of our divinely powerful weapons, mainly prayer, all the battles are winnable.
III. The Triumph of Praise
Keeping our focus on the throne of God and its purpose, and considering the team of players who guarantee a win prompts a reaction from every believer - a triumphal praise. In heaven, around the throne, there is a never-ending praise, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come." Shouldn't the church do the same? Let us see with our spiritual eyes, the army of God, who is fighting our spiritual battles. Let us join in the fight, so God can use us, the church, to change the world. “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
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