“Being vs Doing” (Part Two) – 8/25/24 Worship Service
August 25, 2024
Stephen Streett
This Sunday’s message is not a theological lecture or apocalyptic teaching. We are not going to be talking about delayed Parousia, eschatology, the antichrist, or end times prophecy. Instead, we are going to look at how Revelation chapters 4 and 5 are central to understanding the book. Revelation 4:1 - "After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven!" John's vision begins with an open door in heaven, symbolizing access to God's presence. Despite the suffering and oppression faced by early Christians, this vision offers hope and assurance that God is in control.
Revelation 4:4 - "Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders." The throne symbolizes God's sovereignty over all creation. The 24 elders represent the faithful who have persevered. This vision reassures us that God is ruling and that faithfulness will be rewarded. Revelation 4:11 - "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." The vision of worship in heaven reminds us that God is worthy of all praise. Despite our circumstances, we are called to worship Him for His creation and sustaining power.
Revelation 5:6 - "Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne." The Lamb, Jesus Christ, is central to the vision. He is both the sacrificial Lamb and the victorious Lion. His death and resurrection give us hope and victory over evil. Revelation 5:9 - "And they sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.'" No one else was found worthy to open the scroll except Jesus. His sacrifice makes Him uniquely worthy to execute God's plan of redemption.
Revelation 5:13 - "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!'" God's judgment is not vindictive but redemptive. The vision of every creature worshipping God and the Lamb gives us hope that God's ultimate plan is for the redemption and restoration of all creation.
Revelation 5:12 - "In a loud voice they were saying: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'" The Lamb has overcome evil, and He is standing. This gives us the courage to live our lives with hope, knowing that Jesus has already won the victory.
Let me encourage you to make this your prayer as we prepare for an in-depth look at John’s vision this Sunday. “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to live with hope and faith, knowing that You have overcome evil. May my life be a reflection of Your victory and a beacon of hope to others. Amen.”
Grace and Peace,
Stephen
