The book of Revelation describes numerous worship services where the focus is on the Lord and on the Lord alone. — No distractions. No controversy over preferences in how to worship. No misdirected focus onto a worship leader.
Here’s one glorious scene:
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. (Rev. 5:11-14)
In an earlier scene around the throne of God, the elders fell down in worship and cast their crowns before the throne exclaiming, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (Rev. 4:9-11) — Notice how they laid their crowns (rewards) down at His feet. The Lord deserves it all.
Can We Experience a Similar Worship Service Now, Here on Earth?
We might say, “In heaven we will have glorified bodies, a new heart, and a new mind. We won’t face the distractions we have now. Worship will come easy then!” While that might be true, let’s not use that as an excuse. We can learn from this heavenly worship scene.
- We worship the same Person, who is now worthy of all praise, honor, adoration. He will be no more worthy in the future than He is now.
- We can lay down our preferences and perceived entitlements now. How insignificant some of the controversy surrounding worship here will seem in heaven!
- We can be overcomers now, though in this world we have trouble according to Jesus (Jn. 16:33). The Holy Spirit who dwells within believers will help us worship in spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:24) in these earthly bodies, with our sin tainted hearts and minds.
Let’s not wait until heaven to truly worship. May we now focus our worship services on Him and Him alone!
For More on Worshiping, Go To: Worship Resources