Focusing on the Mission Part 1: ‘Reaching Up’

Revelations 4-5

– Our mission statement at Rosedale is three pronged (Reaching up, Reaching in, Reaching out) and for the next three Sundays we will be refocusing on our mission and vision as God’s people here in Welland

– This morning we begin with a glorious passage from Revelation 4-5 which helps us to understand what it means to be a true worshipper of God

I. The Object of Worship

1)      God the Father

a)      Enthroned in the true, heavenly Temple of which the Jewish Tabernacle and Temple were earthly types and shadows

b)      He is an indescribably glorious King

c)      Emphasis is on God’s transcendence

2)      God the Son

a)      Symbolized in chapter 4 by the ‘sea’ (laver) in front of the throne

b)     Symbolized in chapter 5 as a lion-like Lamb and as a lamb-like Lion:  meekness and majesty!

• Horns are a symbol of power
• Eyes are a symbol of knowledge

c)      The ‘root of David’

d)      The only One in all of creation found worthy to open the scroll

3)      God the Spirit

a)      Symbolized in chapter 4 by seven burning lamps (golden candlestick)

b)      Symbolized in chapter 5 by seven eyes

4)      All of the worship in these two chapters is Trinitarian– “holy, holy, holy”

Application:  How accurate is your view of the God we claim to love and worship?  This picture of God’s throne room should humble us and leave us in awe of the holiness and transcendence of our Triune God (cf. Isaiah 6)

II. The Subjects of Worship

1)      Twenty-four elders

a)      Most likely angelic ministers

b)      Number 24 signifies their priestly role (cf. 1 Chronicles 24:4-5)

2)      Four Living Creatures

a)      Most likely Cherubim (cf. Ezekiel 10)

b)      Represent what is most noble, wise, strong and swift in God’s creation

3)      Myriads of Angels

4)      Every created thing in heaven and on earth

Application:  We humans do not offer God anything that He does not already have.  Myriads of angels are worshipping Him as we speak.  Nevertheless, worship is the purpose for which God created the world and the goal of history.   In a real sense God is also the ultimate subject of worship, because He is the source of all worshippers through creation (4:11) and through redemption (5:9).  Because the worship of God is our purpose, we will find ourselves most satisfied when God is most glorified in and through us.

III. The Reason for Worship

1)      He is our Creator (chapter 4)

2)      He is our Redeemer (chapter 5)

3)      He alone is worthy!

a)      The word ‘worthy’ points us away from ourselves and toward God

b)      Get your eyes off yourself and onto God