SCRIPTURE: Revelation 4
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
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.” [Revelation 4:10-11]
John is given a glimpse of the center of the Universe – God’s throne room.
This is the most important place, where the Sovereign God directs and operates His kingdom power and purpose.
Here there is no question as to who is in control…
Everyone present recognizes God’s glory and honour and power, and submits to it.
Everyone recognizes their dependence on Him, as their Creator and Sustainer.
This is how things should be on earth as well, how we ought to live our lives.

This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. [Matthew 6:9-10]
Jesus teaches this in the disciples’ prayer.
We are to surrender ourselves to God (lay our crowns at His feet) and worship Him as our Father and King, and strive to do His will in our lives just like everyone does in heaven.
Life on earth will never result in peace or blessing or joy, as long as we do not surrender ourselves to the King and Father of the Universe.
Life on earth will always be filled with misery and suffering and injustice and despair, as long as we do not lay our crowns before His throne.
Until everyone present recognizes God’s glory and honour and power, and submits to it.
Until everyone recognizes their dependence on Him, as their Creator and Sustainer.

The picture described here is happening, at this very moment.
At the center of the Universe, God’s throne continues to operate.
Nothing that happens (including terrible disasters and crises and tragedies) takes place outside of God’s glory and honour and power.
He is not to blame for the devastation unleashed in the world – we are, because we have not submitted to His will on earth, as it is in heaven.
But even though we have created this mess, God has not let go; He will continue to guide and direct the affairs of the Universe to restore His kingdom, His creation.

Until that time, we have a choice.
Do we join with those in heaven in bowing before Him, recognizing Him as our Father and King, and committing to living our lives in submission and obedience to Him?
Or will we resist Him, refuse to surrender and obey, and miss out on His eternal purpose?
This, then, is how I should pray: ‘My Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, in my life as it is in heaven. [Matthew 6:9-10]
You are worthy, O Lord my God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created me, and by your will I was created and have my being.” [Revelation 4:10-11]

PRAYER:
Yes, Lord, today I want to join the worship service in heaven, and worship You with my life! For Yours is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory, forever and ever, Amen!