January 26 - Doxology (pt. 2)

January 26 - Doxology (pt. 2)

As the twenty-four elders lay their crowns before the throne, they said:

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." (Rev. 4:11)

This doxology is different than the one the living creatures sang. It focuses directly on God and proclaims his worthiness. He is worthy because He created all things.

There are hundreds of instances of praise being sung to God throughout the scriptures. It is something that cannot be stopped. Luke 19:37-40 tells us that if we don't praise God, the stones will cry out! Psalm 19 sings out that the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

In Isaiah 6:3, we see these creatures calling to one nearly the same response they were singing in Revelation: "holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.

The Second Doxology is found in Revelation 5:8-13. The three parts increase in the number of participants in worship. The Living Creatures and Elders begin by singing to the Lamb. In Rev. 4:11, we see that God is worthy of praise because He is the creator. In Rev. 5:9, we find that the Lamb did three things which make Him worthy.

1. Historically the Lamb was slain.
2. Interpretation of that fact is that with his blood He purchased men for God.
3. Result of that fact is that He has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve God.

In Exodus 19:6, the Lord made a promise to Moses on Mount Sinai. He promised that Israel would be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. The fulfillment of that promise came when Christ established His church on earth.

The angels join the chorus and sang another song. If you look at Revelation 5:12, you will find that there are seven (there's that number again) things the Lamb possesses: power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise.

Power: (1 Cor. 1:23-24) but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Wealth: (2 Cor. 8:9) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Wisdom: (1 Cor. 1:23-24) but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Strength: (Luke 11:21-23) Jesus says, "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the spoils. He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters."

Honor: (Philippians 2:10-11) ...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth.

Glory: (John 1:14) The Word became flesh and lived for awhile among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Praise: (Romans 15:9) ...so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name."

The last part of this doxology is joined by every living creature. I guess that I would suggest you learn it now - you'll absolutely be singing it at some point! All creation has waited with breathless anticipation, they can hold back no longer. The impetus to sing praise finally culminates in this doxology. To close it, the four living creatures cry out AMEN and the elders fall down and worship. AMEN!