TODAY IN THE WORD
There was nothing particularly special about the small group assembled. No one famous, no one rich, just seemingly ordinary people. Ordinary to the outside observer, perhaps, but extraordinary because each person was a follower of Jesus Christ. And although the classroom was located on a typical American university campus, the group represented about eight different countries. Toward the end of the weekly Bible study, someone spontaneously started singing a praise chorus. That led to another worship song, and to another. Some sang in English, others sang in their native languages. About two hours later, when the worship quietly stopped, no one spoke for several minutes. And when someone finally did speak, it seemed to capture everyone’s thought: “It’s like we’ve been in the book of Revelation!”

What a wonderful place to be, especially if the place happened to be Revelation 4 and 5. These two chapters together record one of the greatest praise and worship services in all eternity. Clearly the focal point of this great scene of worship is the throne (Rev. 4:2). It’s not surprising that John’s attempt to describe the appearance of God on His throne stretches the limits of human language. Jasper and carnelian are precious stones mentioned throughout Scripture in reference to God’s glory. Thus John uses these brilliant stones as an image of God’s resplendent majesty.

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Revelation 4:10 says that the twenty-four elders “lay their crowns down before the throne.” Prior to that, they fell down before God’s throne in worship. This is a picture of complete submission before the Lord God Almighty, for a crown represented one’s authority. As we read this passage, it’s worth asking if we have cast our own crowns before the Lord? Have we relinquished our own authority, or attempts to live life our own way, to the Lord? Or, are we still wearing our crown for our own glory?

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