A VISION FOR WORSHIP: Revelation in Pictures

A VISION FOR WORSHIP: Revelation in Pictures

Read Revelation 5:11-14

Read the first blog post in this series on Revelation.

Revelation is an interesting book. As we saw in the last blog, the letter Revelation can really be summed up with an image of Jesus holding everything together. This is a vital picture for us to keep in mind because the original audience needed to be reminded that Jesus is still on the throne and that should be our focus.

One of the aspects of Revelation that is challenging to modern readers is all of the imagery and pictures. John, the Revelator, the author of the letter of Revelation, uses these picture images to help the readers visualize what God is up to. Keep in mind the picture from last time about Jesus holding everything together.

Another challenge we can easily miss is how out of the 404 verses of Revelation, 278 verses reference the Old Testament. In other words, revelation is not really about the distant future, but rather telling the story of God to the people of faith to help them stay strong in the faith as they undergo persecution. It’s about focusing everything we have on Jesus and trusting that he is the victor!

Even amid the persecution going on, the author of Revelation gives admonishment and encouragement to the followers of Jesus. That’s what chapters two and three are about. Jesus, through John, is revealing how the churches has either gone off course or have stayed true to their mission. In other words, Jesus says either the churches don’t love him anymore or they need to stay focused on what’s important.

As we think about what’s important, we should remember that everything we give attention to, everything we give worth to is what we will consider worthy. What this means is we worship what we deem worthy.

Now, I want you to think about the best times of worship you have experienced.

For me, I vividly recall, at least, three incredible times of worship.

One is while participating in an evangelistic mission trip to called Beach Reach to witness to the people on Spring Break.

Another time is worshipping on the beach during youth summer camp.

Another favorite time of worship was at my wife’s and my wedding.

These were some powerful times of worship when I was able to be fully present and focus only on Jesus.

What about you?

As you think about “favorite” times of worship, have we considered why these times are more prevalent than others? What set them apart?

Why is worship so important? Because worship prepares us to handle anything life throws at us. How? When we worship, we derive our strength and focus on and from Jesus. Jesus is the focal point.

Here is a picture of worship in Revelation chapters four and five.

Notice some important things: 1) Jesus is the focal point, he is the slaughtered lamb, and 2) worship has a ripple effect. Jesus is at the center, then it’s all creatures (human and animals) and then it’s the multitude of angels.

So what happens when we worship?

We can experience God’s presence and his power. Then, we respond with our whole being. Worship helps to put everything into perspective. The truth of the matter is that it is not about what makes us happy in this life, it is about what makes us Christlike, what makes us holy.

As you think about worship, when you are with a group of believers, see what happens when you intentionally focus on Jesus and not what the production is going on around you. Look at what you prioritize and consider your life and pleasing sacrifice to him as you seek to live with and for him (see Romans 12:1-2).

The biggest thing to keep in mind is worship reveals to us what we prioritize.

May we be willing to live lives prioritizing Jesus in all we do, say, and think.