Have you ever stopped to consider why we do the things we do? In our daily lives, we often fall into routines without giving much thought to their purpose. We go through the motions of laundry, dishes, mowing the lawn – tasks that become automatic over time. But what about our spiritual practices? Specifically, why do we gather for worship?
This question leads us to an intriguing passage in the book of Revelation, chapter 7, verses 9-17. Here, we’re given a glimpse into the throne room of heaven, a vision of worship on a cosmic scale. Let’s explore this passage and uncover some profound insights about the nature and purpose of worship.
A Vast and Diverse Crowd
The first thing we notice in this heavenly scene is a “vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language” (NLT). This image is significant, especially when we consider the historical context of the early Christian movement. What began as a primarily Jewish following of Jesus gradually expanded to include people from all backgrounds.
This diversity in the heavenly throne room challenges us to consider: Does our worship reflect the full spectrum of God’s creation? Are we actively working to make our congregations look more like the kingdom of God? It’s a powerful reminder that the gospel is for all people, not just a select few.
The Focus of Worship
As we observe this diverse multitude, we see them engaged in passionate worship. Their cry, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” is both a declaration of praise and a subversive statement. In a world where earthly powers demand allegiance, this heavenly worship scene reminds us where our ultimate loyalty should lie.
This glimpse of glory isn’t meant to make us passive, waiting for a future reality. Instead, it should inspire us to work towards making “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Our worship should fuel our engagement with the world around us.
The Heart of Worship: Thanksgiving
The passage then shifts to describe the worship of angels, who offer a sevenfold praise: “Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever!” Interestingly, at the center of this praise is thanksgiving.
This placement is no accident. It reminds us that gratitude should be at the core of our worship. We don’t just praise God for what He does, but for who He is. This challenges us to examine our attitudes as we approach worship. Are we coming with hearts full of thanksgiving, regardless of our circumstances or feelings?
Worship as a State of Being
It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing worship as just a Sunday morning activity. But true worship goes beyond a weekly gathering. It’s not about following a routine or being entertained. Worship is a state of being, an attitude of the heart that is continually inclined towards God.
This perspective frees us from the idea that we can only worship when we “feel like it.” Even on days when we’d rather stay in bed, choosing to engage in worship can be a powerful act of faith and obedience.
The Ongoing Nature of Tribulation and Faithfulness
The passage concludes with a conversation between John and one of the elders, revealing that this vast crowd consists of those “who died in the great tribulation.” However, the original language suggests this is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process.
This insight challenges popular interpretations of end-times prophecies. Instead, it suggests that throughout history, faithful followers of Christ have endured and will continue to endure tribulations. Our worship, then, is part of our faithful endurance in the face of a world that often opposes God’s ways.
Living Into Salvation
So why do we worship? We worship because it allows us to live into the promises of salvation. When we gather for worship, we’re not just going through religious motions. We’re participating in a profound spiritual reality, getting glimpses of the glory that is to come and making that promised future a present reality.
Worship opens us to God at the deepest levels of our being, transforming us in the process. It’s a response to the salvation we’ve received, leading us to offer our lives in service to God.
Reflection and Application
As we ponder these truths about worship, let’s consider how they might reshape our approach to both corporate and personal worship:
1. Diversity: How can we actively work towards making our worship gatherings more reflective of God’s diverse kingdom?
2. Focus: Are we keeping our focus on God in worship, or are we easily distracted by lesser things?
3. Thanksgiving: How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude, making thanksgiving central to our worship?
4. Consistency: How can we develop a lifestyle of worship that goes beyond Sunday mornings?
5. Endurance: In what ways can our worship strengthen us to faithfully endure the challenges we face?
6. Transformation: Are we open to being changed through our worship encounters with God?
As we reflect on these questions, may we be inspired to approach worship with renewed purpose and passion. Let’s not simply go through the motions, but engage fully with the God who is worthy of all praise and thanksgiving. In doing so, we’ll not only experience glimpses of heavenly glory but also become agents of that glory in our world today.
