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.
Revelation 5:13-14
Revelation
is a fascinating book. It has become subject to many interpretations. Many
books have been written and sermons preached about the signs, symbols and
wonders found in the apocalyptic ending to the New Testament. Although I would never
deny the significance of the details of God’s sovereignty as revealed in
Revelation, I am captured most by the scenes of worship. More importantly, I am
captured by the One worshiped. It’s not unusual for me to speak of these scenes
as “awe-inspiring”. When I ponder the portrait of the Savior on the throne
Revelation 5:13-14, I understand why “the elders fell down and worshiped.”
We live
in a culture filled with thrill seekers. We are addicted to energy drinks. We
are caffeine junkies. We crave excitement and entertainment. We wait with
baited breath for the next big thing to amaze us. Is that good? I must confess
that I have never really considered the difference between amazement and
wonder. Without getting too caught up in semantics, there is a deep message in
the difference.
The Difference between Amazement and Wonder…“Wonder
and awe do us good precisely because they stun and mute our spontaneous
energies. They literally paralyze us so that we become reflective by
conscription. Amazement does the opposite. It turns us into mindless
cheerleaders, irrespective of what is right or wrong or what we actually
value.”
Ronald Rolheiser, Sacred Fire
It’s easy
to read Revelation and become “amazed”. We have to guard against such a
reading. Rather, we should read Revelation and pause and ponder. We should
become awestruck – paralyzed for the moment at His majesty, power and glory. We
should reflect on God’s eternal plan and purpose for humanity…and we should
worship Him for who He is.
