DAY 17

Holy, Holy, Holy

‘In the centre, round the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and behind. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all round, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”’ Revelation 4:6-9 (NIVUK)

Reflection

Here, we are witnesses to the unending praise of heaven. This worship is not casual or boring. It is unceasing and awesome, and at the heart of it is a single word, holy. Not just once, but three times, a fullness, a perfection, a weight. God is not just powerful or loving; He is holy, set apart, utterly different, blazing in purity, and glorious beyond measure.

Holiness isn’t just about moral purity, it’s about utter uniqueness. God is in a category all His own. And yet He invites us to draw near, transformed by that same holiness.

It is in these few verses that we are introduced to the living creatures around the throne, who never grow tired of beholding this holy, awesome God. They are described with the word ‘like’, to remind us that language is insufficient to fully articulate the majesty of what John saw. They are a representation of all of God’s glorious creation, joining with the twenty-four elders, worshipping the One seated on the throne. ‘Whenever the living creatures give glory, honour and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”’ Revelation 4:9-11 (NIVUK)

Their song honours God as creator – all life flows from and returns to the throne. Every earthly crown of achievement must be cast down in acknowledgement that all we have, and all we are, must bow before the One on the throne.

Day and night, heaven’s song never ends but continues with the cry, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God, Almighty.’ Overcoming requires a recalibration of value. When Jesus is your treasure, no sacrifice feels too costly. When He is worthy, obedience becomes joy, even when it’s hard.

Devotional

by Pete Gibbons

 

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