Praise Starts In The Throne Room
Saturday, September 26
Revelation 4:1-3 (NLT)
“Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow.”
Devotion
The person on that throne is none other than Jesus Christ. His beauty reveals how holy and pure He is. He cannot stand in the presence of sin because it is the exact opposite of who He is. When we come before Him, we should humble ourselves, ask for forgiveness, and repent of any sin in our lives.
Even the Israelites could not come near Mount Sinai when God descended upon it because of His holiness. Moses had to remove his sandals when he approached the burning bush, and God placed him in the cleft of the rock when He passed by. For no one can see God and live.
Notice how Moses’ face shone after spending time with God on the mountain. The people could not look directly at his face because of the glory that remained upon him. When we come before God in worship, we should come with a heart that is surrendered and ready to honor Him. True worship begins when we surrender ourselves completely to Him.
The angels and elders around the throne continually praised Him. We draw near to God through worship and praise. Praise Him in the good times and the difficult times. Praise Him when your hands are empty and when they are full.
Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, with His robe filling the temple. The seraphim cried out, “Holy, holy, holy.” One of them touched Isaiah’s lips with a hot coal, cleansing him (Isaiah 6:1–7). In Ezekiel, God is described as having the appearance of a man, with a form like gleaming amber and flickering fire. From the waist down, He appeared like a burning flame. These descriptions remind us of the holiness and awesome presence of God.
That is why, when we come to worship, we should examine our hearts. Are we holding on to bitterness, anger, hatred, or evil thoughts? We must bring these things before God, ask for His forgiveness, and repent.
Worship Him with all your heart, soul, and mind. Set aside every distraction and focus on Him. Lift your hands and praise Him. Don’t come to church and simply sit there. Stand, worship, and remember who He is and all He has done. Praise Him like those around the throne room did. This is the kind of worship He desires.
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Help us to see You for who You are—holy, worthy, and worthy of all our praise. Search our hearts, forgive anything that does not honor You, and teach us to worship You with complete surrender. May our praise remain constant in every season. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
When you face something difficult today, pause before reacting and choose to praise God, remembering that He is still worthy regardless of your circumstances. Make praise your response.
Resources
• Jesus is the Lamb who was slain, the Savior who redeemed us, and the King who is worthy of our praise. Watch “The Lamb Is Enough” and let your heart be stirred to worship the One who is truly worthy!
• Go Deeper! Read Revelation 5:9–14 and reflect on why heaven declares that the Lamb is worthy.