Worship in Heaven – Part 1, Majesty

davidwpalmer

Nov 2

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0bC9rajrTScAG9kr2TXB43?si=SBhMUTj4QmyIwfVRoMq8pA

David W Palmer

Worship is eternal. Heaven is filled with worship. In truth, only those who are God's true worshippers will enjoy the eternal privilege of being with him where he is forever. We know worship is taking place in heaven right now; both the book of Revelation and the Old Testament prophet Isaiah describe it:

(Revelation 4:10–11 NKJV) The twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: {11} "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created."

This passage describes the outward actions and words of God's true worshippers. They had received crowns—presumably from their faithfulness while on earth:

(Revelation 2:10 NKJV) "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."

However, when they behold God, they realize that he alone is worthy of the honour and the rewards earned by their faithfulness and their life of true worship. After all, it was all his work in and through them that made it possible. Their falling down and giving him all the glory and honour is reflective of the true heart of worship. Let's follow their example.

Isaiah also describes the worship of heaven:

(Isaiah 6:1–4 NKJV) "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. {2} Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. {3} And one cried to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!' {4} And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke."

Isaiah had a great vision and revelation, not only of heaven's worship, but also of the majesty, holiness, and absolute authority of God.

I find it interesting that this happened "in the year that King Uzziah died." Perhaps prior to this, Isaiah had his eyes on the earthly king for his identity, provision, protection, and life's hub, etc. But when Uzziah was taken away, Isaiah's true king came into focus: God.

Isaiah saw the Lord "high and lifted up." Again, this brought to his attention the truth that God is higher in majesty, honour, authority, and ability than anyone else in existence. He is the ultimate in wisdom, love, holiness, and power. What's more, in his vision of God in heaven, Isaiah realized that the "train of His robe filled the temple." This speaks of God's absolute, unlimited authority. Apart from what God has delegated to man on earth, he has the right to rule supreme over the universe.

What can we learn from this today, and how can we apply it?

Worship is eternal. Despite how unnatural it may seem to begin with, if we want to live with God eternally, we will need to be worshippers. So let's begin now; let's show God our true heart for him through our constant praise and worship of him.

We have also seen that God is supreme and that his authority is absolute. Like Isaiah, let's take our eyes off the fleeting, flimsy things of this world—be it politicians, our abilities, our heroes, or our jobs ,etc.—and center them on God and only him. He alone has the power over life, death, and hell; he decides our eternity, and he gives out the rewards.

(Revelation 1:18 DKJV) "I am he who lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and I have the keys of hell and of death."

Let's invite him to move in our lives through our prayers and faith; let's hand over the reins of our lives, confessing continually that Jesus is our Lord. Allow him into all your circumstances today—especially those tempting you to worry, fret, be anxious, or intimidated. Then stand in awe as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah roars: say what he gives you to say, do what he shows you; then step back and enjoy the power, majesty, and authority of the omnipotent God stepping in on your behalf.

But remember, when you "cast your cares on the Lord," you really do have to let go of them yourself.

(1 Peter 5:7 AMPC) "Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully."