From: December 13, 2023
“Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come” (Revelation 4:8 NLT).
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.
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.
From: December 13, 2022
DON’T TAKE PLEASURE AT ANOTHER’S FALL
The prophet Obadiah, whose Hebrew name means “Servant of the LORD,” delivered a prophecy against Edom for gloating over Israel’s fall. The land of Edom was founded by Jacob’s (“Israel’s”) twin brother, Esau (Also known as “Edom”). Edom was situated south of Judah and difficult to overthrow in its mountain strongholds. However, God warned that His wrath was against Edom. Her pride and pleasure in Israel’s destruction would lead to her own demise. And unlike Israel, whom God would one day deliver and reestablish, Edom would be no more.
As the Word has said, “Pride goeth before a fall” (Prov. 16:18) and in another place, “Those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished” (Prov. 17:5). Therefore, let us be careful not to take pleasure at another’s fall, even if they have been as enemies to us. For we all rise or fall by God’s grace. Instead, let us pray for God’s will and mercy.
PRAYER: Dear Father, it is tempting for us to smile at the suffering of an enemy or one that we disagree with. Yet, while we were yet sinners, You sent Your Son to die in our place. Help us to be like You, always ready to pray and to offer Your gospel of rescue to the one who has fallen. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: December 13, 2016
Don’t be a people pleaser! The one who tries to please everyone, lays a trap for himself. For he can never make everyone happy. What is the alternative? Live to please God. Do not fear man, but trust in God. Live for the applause of the One. And the Lord will keep you in His care.
From: December 13, 2015
The prophet Obadiah, whose Hebrew name means “Servant of the LORD,” delivered a prophecy against Edom for gloating over Israel’s fall. The land of Edom was founded by Jacob’s (“Israel’s”) twin brother, Esau (Also known as “Edom”). Edom was situated south of Judah and difficult to overthrow in its mountain strongholds. However, God warned that His wrath was against Edom. Her pride and pleasure in Israel’s destruction would lead to her own demise. And unlike Israel, whom God would one day deliver and reestablish, Edom would be no more. As the Word has said, “pride goeth before a fall” (Prov. 16:18).
From: December 13, 2014
This is what John heard the four beings continually saying of the One seated on the heavenly throne. These four beings (other translations: “beasts, living creatures”) have been variously interpreted to represent the four evangelists, or four gospels of Matthew (Lion), Mark (Ox), Luke (Man), and John (Eagle). Or they are seen to represent all of creation. It is also interesting to note that these four images were on the banners of the tribes of Israel’s wilderness encampment that camped according to the four points of the compass (Judah/East/Lion, Ephraim/West/Ox, Reuben/South/Man, Dan/North/Eagle). John does not comment on their identity. He only records what they continually repeated– that God is three times holy, omnipotent and eternal. And surely the phrase “still to come” points to Christ’s soon return.
From: December 13, 2013
This psalm of ascent calls the Lord to remember His promise to David, that the Messiah would be born in his line. The psalmist wrote this for worshipers to sing as they climbed Zion’s hill, urging God to keep His promise to send the Anointed One. “Of your body” is an unusual phrase in the Hebrew, literally, “of the fruit of your womb.” Of course, David had no womb. But Mary did.