Meditation Mondays: Revelation 4:4b-8: Worship

In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 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. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:

“‘Holy, holy, holy

is the Lord God Almighty,’[b]

who was, and is, and is to come.”

Commentary

Chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation are worship scenes. Notice, the Lord is at the center of the worship of these creatures. The creatures are described much like the cherubim (unfallen angelic creatures) in Ezekiel 1 and 10. The characteristics of these angels mean something. First, they were covered with eyes. They were perceptive and aware. Their gaze was penetrating and fixed. One creature was like a lion. Lions biblically are known for their strength (1 Sam. 1:23; 2 Kings 17:25; Job 4:10; Isa. 5:29 etc). Oxen are known for their labor (Deut. 5:14). Man for his understanding (emphasis on the face) and the eagle for its swiftness (focus on the wings). This is whole-body worship. The posture of the cherubim was one of complete, devoted worship to the Triune God.

Furthermore, these creatures are turned toward the Lord (toward His throne where He governs all things) and in Trinitarian format with a posture of worship declare what is already true of God, that He is, "Holy, holy, holy..." And they do this all the time; day and night (much like the seraphim in Isaiah 6).

Meditation Point

This vision of heavenly worship John documented should be modeled on earth. We are to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37-38). In other words, our entire being should be devoted to the worship and adoration of the One who sits on the throne and governs all things. And we should worship our Triune God when we sit when we walk, when we lie down and when we get up (Deut. 11:19)- in other words- always. This brings a whole new meaning to Jesus' prayer 'your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven' (Matt. 6:10).