worship – Page 5 – Be Still…

Revelation 5:1-14 – Victory by Sacrifice

Being a worship leader and musician, between the reading in Chapter 4 and today’s in Chapter 5, I can’t help but think of two songs. You can click to listen to Revelation Song and Worthy is the Lamb. Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder, indeed!

Again, we have more beautiful imagery. We see the scroll in God’s hands. That’s how books were written in those days. I understand a scroll could be up to 30 feet long. That’s a lot of words! But God’s scroll was holy and filled with truth. It was sealed with seven seals. Who was worthy to open it to reveal the future God had written?

Revelation 4:1-11 – Worship God the Father

Read Revelation 4:1-11

There’s a lot of praising going on in heaven! It’s how I would imagine it to be, too–worship happening 24/7! After all, how could you help but being overcome, giving ALL you had in praise and adoration, simply by being in the presence of God, the Father, the Almighty, the one who lives forever?! Take a moment to close your eyes, inhale deeply, and exhale slowly as you imagine being in God’s presence, no more worry or strife, and amidst the joy and reverence of others around you. What a beautiful peace!

How many times have you wondered about what heaven might be like? I’m not sure I ever pictured four beings with lots of eyes. I mean, a lot of eyes! It sounds a little creepy to me, actually. But it’s imagery that is similar to what we see in Isaiah 6. We have a glimpse there into heaven as well in Isaiah’s vision. Ezekiel 1 is also another example of God revealing to his messengers about the things to come. I think that is exactly why John is seeing the vision now. To prepare him for what’s next.

Deuteronomy 32:1-47 – Moses’ Song

Read Deuteronomy 32:1-47

When I think of a song, my mind goes first to the tune. Then I focus on the lyrics. When both the tune and the lyrics are powerful, the song is so much more memorable. Moses’ song appears to be lyrics only. The tune can always be added later. Isn’t it amazing how you can remember lyrics from songs you learned as a kid? I am always amazed when my husband, David breaks into song, only to find out it’s a song from the 60’s or one he played in a garage band back in the day.

God was brilliant when he had Moses write down a song to help the people remember. It’s a great learning tool. I’ve learned many Bible verses that way. Put them to a melody. As a worship leader, I’ve also learned many songs along the way only to find out later as I’m reading through the Bible that it was Scripture I was singing. I love those a-ha moments!

Deuteronomy 12:1-32 – There is Only One God

Read Deuteronomy 12:1-32

Worship is clearly a priority. To be in a right relationship with God is much more than merely obeying. Moses is making sure the people know the importance of worshiping God. They are going to encounter many other gods being worshiped by the people they will overtake. So that they don’t fall into the wrong habit or let curiosity get the best of them. Moses tells them to demolish the remnants of the other gods and “completely erase the names of their gods!”

I loved the discussion on worship. As a worship leader, I am especially inspired by Moses’ words, “Rather, you must seek the Lord your God at the place of worship he himself will choose from among all the tribes—the place where his name will be honored.” So many times, we associate worship with a place, a church building. For me, worship is a way of life, a mindset of constant praise. We do need to have a place set aside, too, but God will choose it. That is an especially timely promise for me.

Deuteronomy 4:15-31 – What Are Your Idols?

Read Deuteronomy 4:15-31

Moses is pretty clear with his warning about idols. He knows the tendency of the people. It’s easier to have something visible to worship than to worship an unseen God. Easier but not smarter. A visible object is not God, can never be God. A tangible item cannot watch over you, provide for you, hear your prayers, or love you unconditionally.

When I think about God being a jealous God, the song, “Oh How He Loves Us” pops into my head. God doesn’t want us to focus on anyone or anything but him. He loves us that much. He wants only the best for us. Listen HERE.