In The Revelation of Jesus Christ we are introduced to four living creatures who do not rest day or night saying, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is and who is to come. (Revelation 4:8) What revelation did these creatures receive that sparked their non-stop worship? Let me suggest a three word phrase in their declaration that I believe reveals the source of their adoration.
That phrase is “Lord God Almighty.” To get a clearer picture of “Lord God Almighty” let’s take a look at the Greek meaning of each word, which is the original language it was written in.
The Greek word used for Lord is the word kurios. Kurios means supreme in authority, controller. Theos is the Greek word used for God. It means a deity, the supreme divinity. Almighty is translated from the Greek word pantokrator which means the all ruling God, as absolute and universal sovereign. When we put them all together we might come up with this definition: The supreme deity in absolute, sovereign control of the universe.
These four living creatures were beholding the one who is in control of all things; the one who has all power and holds all things in his hands. Several times in the Revelation this Supreme Deity is referred to as “The One who sits on the throne” or in other words the “One who dwells in power.” The psalmist put it this way, But our God is in heaven; he does whatever he pleases. (Psalm 115:3) This revelation of God leaves no room for other rulers. There are no equals. No one gives him counsel.
There were others in the heavenly realm that had the same revelation. In Revelation 11:17 the twenty-four elders worship God saying, We give you thanks, O Lord God Almighty… Those who have victory over the beast in Revelation 15:3 sing the Song of Moses and the Lamb saying, Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God Almighty.
Heaven responds with expressive worship as God reveals himself as the Almighty. Some fall on their faces, some play musical instruments, some shout, while others sing. Our worship response should be no different. Do we dare claim to know him yet stand Sunday after Sunday with our hands in our pockets and our minds miles away? Do we dare claim to know him yet live each day as if we are in control of our lives?
In Revelation 19:11-16 Jesus is revealed as the conquering king. He appears on a white horse. His name is called The Word of God and written on his robe and thigh is the name King of Kings and Lord or Lords. He will come again and forever put an end to all evil and those who have challenged his authority. Yet, he reigns today and commands our worship. If he is to rule in our hearts all other rulers will have to go.
Paul wrote to the Philippians, Therefore God also has highly exalted him and given him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
If we are to enter heaven’s worship we must have a revelation of Almighty God and not only respond with outward expression but also yield our lives to his Lordship. He must sit on the throne of our hearts. He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)