Whenever the living creatures give glory . . . the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever.
Heaven’s throne room is filled with sounds of praise and worship. The four living creatures give round-the-clock adoration to the One on the throne. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,” they proclaim. This is a picture of all creation honoring God as the Creator and Lord over all things—the only one worthy of all praise.
Creation’s song of praise—led by the four living creatures— serves as a call to worship for the twenty-four elders. God’s people cannot help responding in worship when surrounded by the authentic, enthusiastic praises of all the rest of creation.
All God’s people in his worldwide church—young and elderly, seekers and established followers—help each other celebrate and confess with praise. Together, we join with the rest of creation, saying, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they . . . have their being.”
This picture reminds us that just as creation constantly proclaims the glory of God (Psalm 19), so can all God’s people—in our work and play each day as well as when we gather for a worship service. All things give glory to God for bringing them into being, and he keeps all creation in his constant care. Our creating, life-sustaining God is worthy to receive our praise always.
Lord and Creator of all things, open our eyes and ears to the glory and praise of your whole creation. Teach us to respond with praise also in all we think, say, and do. Amen.
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