REVELATION 5:11-14 – Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.”

THEME OF THE DAY:  WHAT IS CENTRAL IN HEAVEN IS TO BE CENTRAL IN LIFE.  Before we dive into today’s nugget, allow me to encourage us to do a two-word Bible study from the New Testament book in which today’s scripture is found – the Revelation.  The study is to be in chapters four and five. Go through each chapter and circle, highlight, underline, or write down each appearance of the words “throne” and “lamb.”

The total number of verses in Revelation 4 and 5 are fifteen.  Combined, the words “throne” and “lamb” appear twenty-two times!  What may we learn from this wonderful repetition?  Much, but here are two lessons. First, the dominant focus in heaven is the throne of God and the Lamb of God – the Lord Jesus.

A second lesson we learn from the repeated words of “throne” and “lamb” are the fixation the occupants in heaven have toward both.  Read again Revelation 4 and 5 paying attention to where the attention of all heaven’s inhabitants is directed.  They are fixed on the throne and the Lamb that was slain.  No distractions. No disunity.  All eyes are off themselves and on to God.  What a blessed harmony to observe such a display of worship and submission!

A third lesson from the dominance of “throne” and “lamb” is what is central in heaven is to be central in life.  As Christ’s people headed to heaven, we are to be living lives already there in our thinking and affections – If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory (Colossians 3:1-4).

The way to accomplish this type of heavenly living in our earthly existence is to remember on a throne is a King, and a King is to be followed gladly in submission to His commandments.  That is the Christian life – living all of life under the Lordship of King Jesus.  The other way to live life guided by what is central in heaven is to remember the Lamb that was slain for us. The King of Kings was also the Lamb of God. Remembering His sacrifice fuels our love and desire to live all of life pleasing to Him just like it is heaven, now.

PRAYER: “Father, may the realities of heaven become daily realities in my life.”

QUOTE: “The throne of God and Lamb of God are to be fixed thoughts in our minds and hearts.”

In the affection of Christ Jesus,

Pastor Jim