My Morning Meal

What were those moments like when heaven paused and held it’s collective breath? When John saw Him who sits on the throne, in splendor and glory, raise His right hand to reveal a scroll sealed with seven seals . . . when John and all of heaven heard the loud proclamation of that strong and mighty angel, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” And then heaven goes silent . . . for no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth had the power or capability to open the scroll . . . or to even look at it. And John says that he wept much because no one was found worthy.

But you don’t read that anyone else wept . . . not the twenty four elders . . . not the living creatures who declare God’s holiness day and night . . . not the myriads of saints surrounding the throne. John was the outsider. He didn’t realize it was perhaps a bit of a rhetorical question. Spoken maybe to “set up” the moment . . . to prepare the anticipation . . . to emphasize the holy sacred trust of handling the scroll. For, as John cries, one of the elders leans over and whispers to him, “Do no weep. Behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” (Rev. 5:5) Don’t cry . . . behold! Wipe away the tears . . . and turn Your eyes upon Him! Who is worthy? He is worthy!

And in the midst of that great heavenly silence He emerges . . . coming into view for all to see. There, in the midst of the throne . . . among the living creatures . . . in the middle of the twenty four elders . . . stands the Lion . . . stands the Heir to David’s throne . . . stands a Lamb. A Lamb as though it had been slain! And in that instance, John realizes what all heaven already knows . . . He is worthy!

Behold the Lamb. He who was slain . . . slain that He might redeem lost souls to their God through His blood . . . slain that people out of every tribe and tongue and nation might be gathered around that throne as He is declared the One who alone is worthy.

The silence is broken! Heaven comes alive as the elders fall before the Lamb . . . each with a harp . . . each with a golden bowl full of the prayers of the saints . . . and they start to sing . . . to sing at the top of their voices . . . to sing a new song, “You are worthy.”

And then the angels get into the act. Ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands of angels join with the elders and shout with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” (5:11-12)

Heaven is silent no more . . . the question asked has been answered. The Lamb is the Lion . . . He who was slain is the King. He is Jesus . . . the Son of God . . . the Christ . . . Immanuel . . . the once for all Atoning Sacrifice . . . the Conqueror of sin and death . . . resurrected . . . ascended . . . and before the throne. And He, praise God, is worthy!

“Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (5:13)

The living creatures say, “Amen!” The twenty-four elders fall down and worship Him. (5:14) And I say, “Amen!” . . . and I fall down and worship too.

Who’s worthy? He’s worthy!

I love stepping through the door with John. Leaving, in comparison, the “grey tones” of earth and entering the color filled world of heaven. What was it like to be John on that Lord’s Day when, “in the Spirit”, He had a one-on-one with the risen, glorified, magnified, Son of Man? To have been His “secretary” capturing the Lord of the Churches’ words to His people would have been a pretty amazing experience in and of itself. But then “after these things” John beholds “a door standing open in heaven.” He then hears a voice speak to him, resonating like a trumpet, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which much take place after this.” (Rev. 4:1) And did John ever get shown!!!

The first thing that grabs John’s attention is a throne . . . and not so much the throne but the One who sat on the throne . . . and the colors of His glory emanating from the throne. Also proceeding from the throne was lightning and thunder and voices. He then notices that before the throne are seven lamps of flaming fire . . . the Spirit revealing to Him, “Hey, that’s Me . . . the seven-fold Spirit of God.” (4:2-5)

And as John’s eyes adjust to the light of heaven and his ears adjust to the roaring sound . . . as he gets attuned, somewhat, to the sensory overload of God’s dwelling place, he sees circling the throne twenty-four other thrones . . . and on them twenty-four elders, clothed in white robes and wearing crowns of gold on their head. He then notices the four living creatures . . . creatures whose description kind of defies my imagination . . . save to understand that they are magnificent and awe-invoking to behold. (4:6-7)

The sights . . . the sounds . . . all really beyond any full comprehension . . . so beyond my experience . . . so unattached to any frame of reference I have. But then John notices something that I get. He records activity which I can relate to . . . he says that in heaven there is no rest for the worshiping.

“The four living creatures, . . . do not rest day or night, saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!’ Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne . . . ” (Rev. 4:8-10)

Day and night, it says . . . no resting . . . no ceasing . . . never stopping . . . these beings, which sound a lot like the seraphim of Isaiah 6, proclaim the holy name of God. “Holy, holy, holy,” seems to be the chorus of a great song . . . and then it seems like they’ll break into a “verse or two” of “glory and honor and thanks to Him on the throne” . . . and when that happens the twenty four elders go face down worshiping Him who lives forever and ever, casting their crowns before the throne of Him who alone is worthy of all exaltation. I don’t know how you read this without sensing that worship is kind of a big part of heaven . . . day and night . . . 24/7 . . . (though I don’t think there is a 24/7 in heaven).

And I don’t fully get how, around the clock (though I don’t think there are clocks in heaven either), worship can happen with all the other stuff that’ll be going on in that place Jesus is preparing for all who love and seek His appearing. But hey, who am I to try and fit heaven into my pea-brain of understanding? I read this and I just don’t think there’s any rest from worship in heaven. It will be part the atmosphere in that place . . . no matter what’s going on . . . or what we’re doing, I don’t think an awareness of the throne and the glory of the One upon it will be very far from our awareness. I sense that spontaneously, throughout the days of eternity, we’ll be going facedown, again and again, to give Him thanks for our salvation . . . to give Him glory for bringing us home . . . to extol Him for the wonders of His magnificent heaven.

And while I can’t fully imagine what worship in heaven will be like, I can relate, in some measure, to heaven-based worship. I have some context for understanding how a heart is moved to want to express to Him appreciation and adoration which is beyond my ability to put into words. I know something of the gravitational pull of wanting to go facedown before Him in awe-inspired worship. O’ that I would know it more . . . that I would be a fluent worshiper in truth and spirit . . . that there would be no rest for the worshiping . . . amen.

It’s that time of year! For weeks already the mass marketing machine has been revved up and put in high gear. This year, we’re being told, consumers are going to show once again “their confidence” and turn it around. Two too many Christmases of holding back. Here in the States it “officially” kicks off on the day after Thanksgiving . . . Black Friday . . . black referring to the profits that start flowing into stores and cyber-sites. “Shop, shop, and then shop some more,” is the message. “Time to get those hot deals while the getting’s good,” bombards my e-mail inbox. “Buy!” is the rallying cry . . . and this, from Jesus too . . . but for a different reason . . .

“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.” (Rev. 3:18 ESV)

How’s that for a Christmas shopping list . . . gold refined by fire . . . white garments . . . anointing salve for the eyes? The benefits? So that I’ll be rich . . . and I’ll be clothed . . . and I will see clearly. And it’s not shopping I can do for someone else . . . nope, it’s stuff I can only buy for me. Where can I get this stuff . . . only one vendor . . . only one outlet . . . “Buy from me,” says Jesus. Mmmm . . .

I don’t know how you read the latter portion of Revelation 3 without pausing and doing some measure of self-assessment. The one thing that’s always “frightens me” about Jesus’ letter to the church of the Laodiceans is that if I read it and think it’s not about me, that, in and of itself, may be an indicator that it’s all about me . . . “For you say, ‘I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,’ not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” (3:17) It’s the Laodicea paradox . . . the fact that you don’t think these words are for you may be the very thing that says Jesus so wants to speak them to you.

And He so wants to speak to those who don’t think He has anything to say to them. Jesus doesn’t just write off these lukewarm, church playing believers. Even though they trigger within Him a “gag reflex” because they are neither cold nor hot, His first choice isn’t to spit them out of His mouth but to reprove and discipline . . . to correct and teach . . . to call to repentance . . . to re-establish intimate communion around a supper table. Why? Because Jesus loves His own (3:19) . . . and so wants them to overcome and sit with Him on His throne (3:21).

And so, because of His great love, He shouts, “Buy!” He offers that which truly will makes rich . . . treasure fit for heaven. He offers that which is true righteousness . . . garments that cover the shame of sin. He offers that which provides real sight . . . an understanding of the things of God and the ways of the kingdom. But how do I buy? What credit card can I use? What do I need to sell in order to be able to afford to make such amazing purchases?

Ah, actually, it’s kind of like the old Avon days . . . the product is brought to the door . . . and the only “currency” I have to secure the product is my desire and willingness to open the door . . . and let Him in . . . “For You will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; You will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” (Ps. 51:16-17) Open the door . . . that’s how I make the buy. “Come,” He says, “Those who thirst, come to the waters. Even though you have no money, come and buy that which will feed the soul . . . come and buy without money . . . just come.” (Isa. 55:1-2). Come . . . open the door . . . and buy.

And then, over the table of restored fellowship and sweet communion, I acquire, from His grace-filled and giving hands, the riches of heaven . . . the imputed clothing of righteousness . . . and eyes which behold the truths of the Father. How’s that for a good deal?

To God be the glory . . .

As I’m reading the first chapters of Revelation and Jesus’ words for the seven churches, I’m taking particular notice of what He promises those who “overcome”. In each of His letters to these churches He exhorts them to some behavior . . . whether that’s to simply hold fast to a faithful expression of faith or to repent of some error that has crept into their midst. And have giving “the command”, Jesus invariably encourages them to have “ears to hear” what the Spirit is saying and then encourages them with a promise for the one who overcomes. It’s the promise to the church in Thyatira that’s got me thinking this morning.

“And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations . . . and I will give him the morning star.” (Rev. 2:26,28)

I think I get the part about the saints one day ruling with King Jesus over the nations (Rev. 5:9-10) . . . but what about being given the morning star?

As I do when I come across one of those, “What does that mean?” passages or phrases, I turn to the commentaries I have on my computer and on my desk . . . my own select group of “advisors” . . . to see what these trusted teachers say. But sometimes, as in this case, they don’t all agree . . . having different interpretations . . . even indicating that they’re not quite sure what exactly “the morning star” is referring to. So what to do in a case like that? Well, I was taught a long time ago that Scripture best interprets Scripture . . . so where else is the term “morning star” found?

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” (Rev. 22:16)

That’s pretty clear . . . Jesus says that He is the Morning Star. So . . . at least one understanding of this promise is that, to the one who overcomes, Jesus will give Himself. Some would say it’s referring to the rapture . . . others that it refers to the millennial reign . . . but, for now, I’m going with that tried and true, Sunday School 101 answer, “Jesus.”

He identifies Himself as the Bright and Morning Star . . . and He promises to believers who overcome to give them the morning star . . . so why couldn’t it be referring to that time when they will be with Him . . . up close and personal . . . face to face . . . He having laid claim to them . . . and they now possessing Him whom they had previously owned by faith and followed through the Spirit.

What greater promise is there but to have Jesus? What greater motivation “to keep on keepin’ on” than to one day being given the Morning Star? . . . to be where He is . . . to dwell where He dwells . . . to reign as He reigns . . . to worship before Him at His Father’s throne?

But, while there is a promise to yet be fully known, I don’t need to wait until that day to encounter the Morning Star. I can start this day and this week afresh with the prayer, “Give me Jesus!” Desiring to abide in Him and know the reality of Him abiding in me. Seeking sweet communion with the risen Christ as enabled by the indwelling Spirit of God. Setting my mind and my heart on things above . . . looking to Jesus with the eyes of faith.

“. . . and I will give him the morning star . . . ”

Even so, Lord, give me Jesus . . .

What will it be like to see Jesus? That’s a question that has provided meditative wonder for Christians throughout the millennia. It’s because of that “I just can’t wait to find out” sort of anticipation, that I never cease to be awestruck with John’s description of the risen, reigning, ruling Jesus in Revelation 1. As led by the Spirit . . . and as much as John could put into words . . . John describes the vision of Jesus he saw that Lord’s Day on the island of Patmos. And as I hovered over it this morning . . invoking the imagination . . . experiencing a bit of awe and wonder . . . four words jumped off the page at me . . . four words that conveyed the love of God and amazing relationship I enjoy before Him as a result of the work of redemption. Those words? “Do not be afraid!” (Rev. 1:17)

Four words in my NKJV . . . two words in the original . . . me phobeo . . . No Fear. The context? Coming face to face with “the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Rev. 1:8) No fear? Really? Yeah, really. Unreally!!!!

John turned to see the voice that spoke to him. When he did He beheld the One he knew was “the Son of Man.” He was clothed in a garment down to His feet and with a massive golden sash about His chest. At the top, His hair was like white-as-snow wool . . . at the bottom, His feet shone like fine brass refined in a fire . . . and, in the middle, in His right hand He held up seven stars. And then, there was His face — John could barely look into His face. The face of Jesus Christ emitted such light that it was like the sun shining in all its strength . . . and His eyes were like a flame of fire . . . and out of His mouth, a sharp two-edged sword. And, if that wasn’t’ enough to get you quaking in your boots, when He spoke it was like the roar of many waters. Talk about your sensory overload! (Rev. 1:13-16)

So what do you do when bombarded with such an overwhelming sight . . . how do you stand in front of the Lord of Heaven with all His glory literally pouring forth from Him . . . uh, you don’t.

“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead.” (Rev. 1:17)

Yeah . . . I’m guessin’. Facedown. What other response is there to such a magnificent, out of this world, sight. “Amazing” doesn’t cover it . . . “awesome” falls way short . . . what do you say? . . . nothing to say . . . fall at His feet . . . shaken to the core by such an encounter with King of kings and Lord of lords. He is God . . . we are so not. He is Almighty . . . we are all over the place. He is the Creator . . . we, His creation. Fall down before His majestic holiness. And then . . . feel His hand upon you . . . and hear Him say, “No fear.”

No fear . . . for perfect love casts out fear (1John 4:18) . . . and Jesus is perfect love. He who is Alpha and Omega is also the Lamb of God . . . He who has loved us with an everlasting love, beginning on that cruel cross of Calvary where He interceded, “Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34) and then cried triumphantly, “Finished!” (John 19:30). The First and the Last is the one who calls us His brothers and sisters (Heb. 2:11) and has made us joint heirs of His glorious inheritance (Rom. 8:17). He who lives in unapproachable light lays His hand on us . . . coming in contact with us . . . placing a hand of comfort and assurance upon us . . . and says, “Do not be afraid!”

Oh, I’m guessing that when we see Him we’ll still go facedown . . . in awe . . . in reverence . . . in worship . . . in thankfulness. But I’m also thinking we’ll also hear those same words, “No fear.” We’ll be home . . . before the Savior . . . in the presence of the King . . . being loved on, “up close and personal,” like we’ve never known the love of God . . . and it will cast out all fear . . . for our blessing . . . and for His glory . . . amen?

Okay . . . so who isn’t up for a blessing? Who wouldn’t like to stumble upon a bit of a windfall from time to time? Who doesn’t want a little good to come to them once in while. Well, my friends, if I’m reading this correctly . . . look no further than the Book of Revelation . . . a place of blessing . . . so says the inspired word of God . . .

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” (Rev. 1:3)

“Blessed” aka “happy” . . . that’s the deal for those who read . . . and those who hear . . . and those who take to heart . . . the things written in these next twenty-two chapters . . . blessed!

So often, this book is approached like some great spiritual Rubik’s cube . . . a puzzle to be solved . . . a mystery to be broken . . . all the pieces to be lined up just right. And, to be sure, there is a way to “rightly divide” this portion of the Word of Truth and a wrong way and so we should be diligent, with the Spirit’s help, to carefully seek to understand what’s being revealed. But, is the blessing really found in mapping every detail to current events . . . in taking something that is a heavenly vision and mapping every iota to some earthly reality? Or, is the blessing found in getting that this book is telling us “the time is near” (1:3) . . . and in tuning our heart’s to cry out, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (2:20)

You look at this “beatitude” in verse 3 and the blessing is for those who read it . . . literally “read it aloud.” I’ve never done that . . . read aloud the book of Revelation . . . either to crowd or just to myself. I guess because there weren’t a lot of copies (like one) of John’s letter floating around, it wasn’t going to get passed on much unless someone read it aloud. So there was a blessing for the reader . . . ok, I’m up for that.

Next there’s a blessing for those who hear. Even in my morning devo times, I can read but not hear. You know, the eyes are scanning the page, but the brain is kind of disengaged. But if I want the full benefit that can be mine from spending these next few mornings in this part of Scripture, I better have my ears on . . . pay attention . . . ask the Teacher within me to school me in the truths I’m about to encounter. If I do? . . . blessing! God’s word says it . . . I believe it.

Finally, the blessing is for those who “keep” . . . . or “heed” . . . or “take to heart” . . . the words of this prophecy. Far from being spurring just some intellectual act of deciphering prophetic visions, as I read . . . and as I seek to hear . . . I am to receive these words . . . chew on them . . . consider not only the meaning but the implications of them, as well. Truths to be internalized . . . truths to be externalized. Things to know . . . things to obey. Things to be taken to heart. And therein lies the blessing.

Oh, that by the grace of God and the Spirit of God I might be attuned to this book over the next few weeks. That, as I approach the end of another year, I might be acutely aware that “soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!” That, as the activity level ramps up over the next few weeks, I might ensure time to be still and know that He, even now, is preparing a place . . . and a wedding feast . . . for all those who love His appearing. That, as my focus is drawn to His first advent . . . to the wonder of Immanuel . . . to the glory of the Babe in the manger . . . that I might have ears to hear of His “any day now” second advent . . . the wonder of Him who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals . . . the glory of the Him of who is robed in white and will soon establish His visible kingdom.

Who’s up for a blessing? Oo . . . oo . . . pick me! . . . pick me! I can hardly wait . . .