Holy Holy (Always Be)نموونە

We cannot help our feeling a sense of awe and wonder when we read John’s description of the throne room of God in heaven. In our mind’s eye we can picture the colorful emerald rainbow encircling the throne, the surrounding elders on their thrones dressed in white with golden crowns on their heads, the blazing seven lampstands, and the sea of glass that is clear as crystal in front of the throne.

Then we read about the four living creatures around the throne who are covered with eyes. One resembles a lion, another an ox, another has the face of a man, and the other resembles a flying eagle. Joined by the crowned elders surrounding the throne, these four creatures never stop worshipping as they continually say day and night:

“’Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.”

The one who created all things by his will and gave life at his command, he is the only one worthy to receive glory and honor and power, forever and ever.

Since the creation of the world and mankind, from the earliest times in the Garden of Eden, man has understood his truest sense of purpose and meaning only when he is living in the presence of God in full surrender. The fall of mankind and the banishment from Eden was a devastating curse for mankind as we coexist with the effects of sin. Our desire to not follow God’s lead and attempt to find our own way has been a dishonor to God and a disease in the heart of all men. However, there is a great hope laid out for us in the story of Scripture that culminates in the book of Revelation where our sin is atoned, and man and God are reunited for all eternity. Finally, after the designated period set by God, He fulfilled his promises made throughout history to various men and women to reconcile mankind to himself, by sending his Son to intercede on our behalf.

This is “The Gospel” of Jesus, the good news we find in the Bible that all humans are encouraged to hear, believe, and pass on to others: Jesus, the Son of God, died on the cross in our sinful place, he was buried in a grave, and then God raised him from the dead, after which he appeared to many people who became living testimonies of his legacy (1 Corinthians 1:1-11; 1 John 1:1-4; Luke 1:1-4). Furthermore, after he was raised, he ascended into heaven and sat down the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (Hebrews 1:3, 10:12; Revelation 3:21), presenting himself in heaven to God as the atoning sacrifice for our sin (Romans 3:22-26; Hebrews 9:24-28), finally reconciling us back to God making everlasting peace for us (Hebrews 10:8-18; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21). And now he reigns with the Father on his throne in heaven forever and ever (Revelation 11:15).

Let us be encouraged by this good news! Just as the awesome throne room of God inspires us to join the elders and the four living creatures in their worship, we also can feel inspired to worship God for his good news of his great mercy and grace, bestowed to us through his Son, Jesus Christ. In his great love for us, God has made a way back into his presence where we can live with him forever and ever, enjoying the splendor of his goodness. Mankind will continue to search the world for purpose and meaning, but they will never find what they seek until they surrender their lives and bow to our Living God. The good news is truly good news for all of us! May we all trust in the one who created us and gave us life on earth, and trust in his way that leads to everlasting life with his Son, Jesus, who sits on his throne in throne room of heaven.