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Dear Church at Litchfield Park family,

On Sunday, we explored the message found in Revelation 4:1-11 (NIV). This passage provides a glimpse into the heavenly realm. 

"After this, I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, 'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.' At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also, in front of the throne, there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.

In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night, they never stop saying:

'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.'

Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:

'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.'"

This remarkable vision of the heavenly throne room holds significance for us today. Here are some questions to guide us:

  • As we envision the heavenly throne room, what feelings of awe and reverence does it evoke within us? How can we cultivate a deeper sense of wonder and reverence for God in our everyday lives?
  • The four living creatures continually declare the holiness of God. What can we learn from their worship and praise? How can we adopt a posture of continual worship in our own lives?
  • The twenty-four elders lay down their crowns before God and acknowledge His worthiness to receive glory, honor, and power. How can we emulate their humble surrender and recognition of God's sovereignty in our lives?
  • What lessons can we draw from this heavenly scene to inspire our worship and service to God? How can we allow this vision to shape our perspective on God's creative power and His eternal reign?

As we reflect on these questions, may the Holy Spirit illuminate our hearts and minds. May we continually surrender our crowns of earthly achievements and accolades before the throne of God, acknowledging His supreme worthiness and sovereignty. 

Together, as one body in Christ, let us strive to cultivate a spirit of worship and surrender. May our lives reflect the awe and reverence we have for our holy God. May our worship be a continual offering of praise, adoration, and surrender. May we declare the worthiness of God to receive all glory, honor, and power. And as we worship, may our lives be transformed and empowered to fulfill God's purposes in this world.