Revelation 5:13-14 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
The number of those who give praise the Lamb now increases to include all creation. The description in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them” covers everything that exists outside of the Triune God. The praise now is for the Father and the Son who are given blessing, honor, glory, and power. To attribute these to God is a good definition of praise. Praise is the outward expression of worship. Worship is not about us. It is not singing sentimental or emotional songs about “me” or my problems. It is giving to God what we want to given to ourselves, namely blessings (materialism), honor, glory, and power. If we seek these things for ourselves, we will distort God’s purpose for us and build a wall of sin between us and God. Self-centered worship can too easily descend into this and actually open up opportunities for temptation and sin. Rather than emptying ourselves to receive God’s presence, we fill ourselves with self, blocking out God. Worship is the open door to spiritual growth because we trust in the Lord with all our heart, and do not lean on our own understanding. In all our ways we acknowledge him (Proverbs 3:5-6).
For older posts, click here.