Revelation 4:1-11

With the letters to the seven churches behind us, we lift our eyes from human struggles and failures to catch a glimpse of the heavenly places, the throne room of God, the true center of the universe. May we set aside time this week to appreciate and praise the wonder of our God. The four living creatures never cease to worship Him, but we human beings grow weary, distracted, and (even) bored. Lord, help us do our best, as feeble as that may be, to praise and honor You.

The Lord Jesus grants John a glimpse of heaven, but he describes what he sees with difficulty. Note how many times he uses the word “like” and the phrase “the appearance of.” He witnesses a scene that is beyond our present human experience, that strains the ability of language to describe.* Thankfully, God has given humankind the gift of imagination. Use yours this week to imagine what John sees through the open door …

… a throne, radiating glory, beauty, and majesty; not an empty throne, occupied by the One with complete sovereignty and awesome power
… the strange living creatures; seeing everything; somehow embodying traits of a lion, ox, man, and eagle; constantly worshipping
… the 24 elders, clothed in white, laying their victors’ crowns before the throne as an act of worship

Reread and ponder the passage, imagining yourself next to John, overwhelmed by the glorious sights and sounds. Add your voice, praising and worshipping the Lord God Almighty.

Calvary Family

Last Sunday was a day to express appreciation to Calvary’s Sunday School teachers. Thank God for our dedicated teachers, who faithfully serve week after week, year in and year out, as well as for their essential helpers. Ask Him to bless and multiply their efforts for His kingdom. Also ask God to raise up more people willing to invest their time and energy in this important ministry.

Next Sunday is Mother’s Day. A wonderful way to honor your mother (living or dead, stellar or not) is to thank God for her and how He has used her in your life. If your mother is living, take the extra step of telling her that you thank God for her.

Do not grow weary in doing good. (2 Thessalonians 3:13) What good thing, what act of obedience, have you been doggedly pursuing for a while? It is easy to become discouraged if you don’t see results or if your work is unappreciated. Let’s pray for one another to keep at it, not growing weary, trusting that the Lord sees and will bring fruit in His time.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

* Paraphrasing Michael Holmes in his commentary on 1 Thessalonians, Chapter 4, describing Christ’s second coming.