Worthy…Oh My God!

Revelation 4:5

Discovering the Heart of True Worship

In the grand tapestry of existence, there's a fundamental truth that often eludes us in our day-to-day lives: we are all worshippers. Whether we acknowledge it or not, our hearts are inclined to exalt something or someone. The question is not if we worship, but what we worship.

Too often, we find ourselves bowing at the altars of fleeting pleasures and worldly pursuits. We might devote ourselves to sports teams, chase after fame, or idolize material possessions. While these things aren't inherently wrong, they become problematic when they occupy the central place in our hearts that rightfully belongs to God alone.

The book of Revelation offers us a glimpse into the throne room of heaven, painting a vivid picture of true worship. In this celestial scene, we witness an awe-inspiring sight: four living creatures and twenty-four elders, their eyes fixed upon the throne, ceaselessly declaring, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come."

This eternal chorus reminds us of the paramount reason for our worship: God's inherent nature. He is holy – set apart, perfect, and utterly unique. He transcends time, existing eternally in the past, present, and future. This God, in His unfathomable majesty, is truly worthy of our adoration.

But the worship in heaven doesn't stop there. The twenty-four elders proclaim, "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." Here we see a second compelling reason for worship: God is the source of all creation. Every breath we take, every beat of our hearts, is a gift from Him. Our very existence is a testament to His creative power and sustaining grace.

As we contemplate these truths, we're confronted with a sobering reality: despite God's holiness and creative power, humanity finds itself in a desperate situation. Sin has created an unbridgeable chasm between us and our Creator. Who could possibly be worthy to bridge this gap, to bring judgment and salvation?

The answer comes in an unexpected form. John weeps because no one is found worthy to open the scroll – a symbol of God's redemptive plan for history. But then, a dramatic turn: "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed." This conquering Lion, however, appears as a Lamb that looks as if it had been slain.

In this paradoxical image, we see the heart of the gospel. Jesus Christ, both fully God (the Lion) and fully man (the Lamb), has accomplished what no one else could. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He has purchased people for God "from every tribe and language and people and nation."

The response to this revelation is nothing short of cosmic. The four living creatures and twenty-four elders fall down in worship, singing a new song. Countless angels join the chorus, declaring the Lamb worthy to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise. Finally, every creature in heaven and on earth unites in a thunderous anthem of praise to both the One seated on the throne and to the Lamb.

This heavenly worship service challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we giving God the central place He deserves? Or have we allowed lesser things to usurp His throne in our lives?

The transformative power of truly encountering God's worthiness is illustrated in the story of Telemachus, a Christian man who lived around 400 AD. Witnessing the brutality of gladiatorial combat, he was so moved by his understanding of God's kingdom that he leaped into the arena to stop the bloodshed. Though it cost him his life, his actions led to the eventual end of gladiatorial games in Rome. This is what happens when we grasp the reality of God's worth – it changes not just our worship, but our entire way of life.

We see this transformative power at work even today. Consider the story of the young Iranian man who, upon watching films about Jesus, was stunned by His compassion and power. Contrasting Christ's love with the harsh realities he had witnessed, he chose to follow Jesus. Or think of the wide-eyed wonder of a child hearing the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead, marveling at Jesus' power over death itself.

These stories remind us that when we truly encounter the living God – when we see Him for who He is and what He's done – our response can only be one of awe-struck worship. We realize, as one convert put it, that we "gave up nothing to gain everything."

As we go about our lives, may we be ever mindful of the God who is worthy of all praise. Let us not take His name in vain or treat Him flippantly, but approach Him with reverence and wonder. May we join the heavenly chorus in declaring:

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"

In light of God's worthiness, let us examine our hearts. What are we truly worshipping? Have we allowed lesser things to take God's rightful place? Are we living in a way that reflects the transformative power of the gospel?

Remember, you don't have to bring anything to God except your sins and your need for Him. He invites you to turn to Him, to believe in the Lamb who was slain for you. In doing so, you'll discover the liberating truth that in giving up everything for Christ, you truly gain all that matters.

May our lives be a constant declaration: "Worthy, oh my God. You alone are worthy."