“…A door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me.” Revelation 4:1
Dear Ones:
There are at least two instances in the book of Revelation when John the Apostle heard a voice like a trumpet. Why is this communicated to us, and why did God speak to John in this manner? There are times when it is imperative, amid all that could preoccupy us, that the things of God be crystal clear. Not only does the sound of a trumpet communicate to us the idea of clarity, but also, one of power and affirmation. The book of the Revelation begins with John’s vision of God, heaven, and historical events that were to occur. That vision, or perception of the heavenly, is communicated to him, and to us, as a powerful declaration of things as they were, are, and will be. The voice, which is like the sound of a trumpet, demands therefore, a response of our hearts that is most convincing and compelling. What is God saying? What does He want us to grasp?
That which is foremost in the Revelation is the unveiling in truth concerning WHO God is. Jesus reveals Himself as the “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.” (1:8,11,17) This is consistent with the revelation of Himself in the book of Isaiah (41:4). When we come to the 4th chapter of Revelation, we are ushered into heaven to see God sitting upon His throne, again that same throne mentioned in Isaiah 6. What is it about this revelation that is so very important? Three things: First, God is sovereign in power and authority. He IS, and evermore shall be, ALMIGHTY. Secondly, He is holy…unique, separate from His creation, as He is the Creator. Thirdly, He is worthy…the value of the knowledge of Him knowing no bounds. Why do we see Him in these ways? That we might, as His creation, fulfill our highest service…that of worship, attributing to Him the glory and honor that is DUE His name. The first and greatest call of God to the heart of man is the call to worship Him in Spirit and truth. Out of that worship is born acceptable service.
There is another aspect of this matter of the worship of God. First we worship Him as the Creator, “…for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev. 4:11) Secondly, we are called upon to worship Him as the Redeemer, the Savior of the world. Here the attention is focused on the “slain Lamb of God.” (5:6) The resurrected, and exalted Christ, is brought before John, and us, to see Him, and worship Him. Specifically, we are called to grasp that He has prevailed over all enemies of God, in order to PURCHASE us, redeem us. He alone, in all the host of heaven, possesses the worth, the value and the authority to claim us as His own. The proof of such authority is revealed in the wounds that He bears. The worth of His shed blood has thus, “…redeemed us to God.” (v.9) What is to be the result of such revelation? It is to be that of worship, the falling down before the One on the throne, and before the Lamb. It means that we give back to Him in praise, adoration, and thanksgiving, the glory and honor that is due Him. THIS is the first duty and principle ministry of man to God, to worship Him in, and by, the Spirit of God, in truth…the truth of the revelation.
Father, teach us to worship, and to worship aright. Then Thou shalt work in our hearts to love and serve Thee forever. We thank and praise Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad