THE WORSHIP OF HEAVEN
The apostle John saw and heard the worship of heaven in God’s throne room. His report was very similar to the prophet Isaiah’s, who had also been given a vision of this scene (See Isa. 6). They both reported the sight and sound of the four six-winged creatures. Yet, only John reported seeing their faces, for they used two of their wings to cover them in Isaiah’s record.
Both reported hearing the living creatures continuously worshiping the Lord. Both heard the three times repetition of “Holy,” followed by the Lord’s name. Yet, a different phrase following that was heard by each. Perhaps Isaiah heard the first verse and John, the last. Or perhaps they sing of a different name and attribute in every stanza.
Isaiah heard them crying out to one another:
“Holy, holy, holy
Is the LORD of Hosts
The whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isa.6:3).
John heard:
“Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!” (Rev. 4:8)
Focusing on John’s record, we notice a triad of triads. There are three lines with three aspects in each. Three repetitions of “holy” in the first line. Three titles for God in the second. And three phases of time in the third. While clearly a worship of the Triune God, it also praises His eternal holiness. For God “was” holy in the past, “is” holy in the present, and will be holy when He comes again.
The true worship of God involves both “spirit and truth” (John 4:24). True worship comes from a new and spiritual heart and an enlightened mind, praising the everlasting attributes of the Triune God.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we want to be like the heavenly host who worship You continuously. Make our lives a living testimony and praise of Your holiness and glory. Fill us with Your Spirit afresh. Enlighten our minds with Your wisdom. Strengthen us to declare it with our mouths. In Jesus’ name, amen.