The Worship of the Twenty-Four Elders

Wade Webster

“The twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created” (Rev. 4:10-11). As we look closely at this passage, we see that they fell down, bowed down, and cast down their crowns.

First, they fell down. We see this action repeatedly by the twenty-four elders in the book (Rev. 5:8-9, 14; 19:4). They are on their knees more than they are on their feet. We could certainly learn from them in this area. I heard a story once about a man climbing a mountain with a guide. As they neared the summit, the guide switched places with the man so that he could have the first view from the summit. As the man reached the summit, he stood up to get a better look. The guide immediately shouted, “On your knees! On your knees! You are only safe here on your knees.” The guide went on to explain to the man that there are strong gusts of wind that blow across the summit. The only safe position is on one’s knees. I think that this is a good reminder for us as we draw near to God in worship(Jam. 4:8, 10).

Second, they bowed down. In addition to falling down, the twenty-four elders worshipped (4:10). As you know, worship is kissing the hand toward God. It is bowing down before a superior. If you are following the progression of the text, then you see that they fell down and then they bowed down or worshipped. They prostrated themselves before God. Again, we would do well to imitate them. In the long ago, the psalmist declared, “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker” (Psa. 95:6).

Third, they cast their crowns down. The casting down of the crowns is especially beautiful (4:10). The twenty-four elders were declaring by this action the Lamb’s worthiness to receive glory, honor, and power (4:11; 5:8-9). They cast their crowns of glory down to give glory to Him. Of all of their actions, this may be the hardest for us to follow. It is hard to surrender all. It is hard to cast down our crowns (education, wealth, talents, etc.). Yet, the Lamb is deserving of nothing less than this. We must be willing to give everything that we have to honor Him (Phil. 3:7-11; Mk. 12:41-44).

As we get ready to worship this week, let’s follow the example of the twenty-four elders. Let’s fall down, bow down, and cast down our crowns to honor the Lamb.

The Introduction Of Wisdom (Proverbs 1)

Wade Webster

When a person thinks of wisdom, they naturally think of Solomon.  Solomon, the wisest man of the Old Testament period, was endowed with wisdom by the all-wise God that he served (I Kings 4:29).  Much of the wisdom that he was given is recorded in the inspired book of Proverbs.  It is in this book, and in the first chapter particularly, that Solomon introduces us to wisdom. 

First, we are introduced to the IMPORTANCE of wisdom (vs. 1-6).  The importance of wisdom is seen in several ways in these opening verses.  (1)  Solomon states that the proverbs were written that man might know wisdom (1:1-2).  Certainly, wisdom must be extremely important for a book to be written to encourage men to know it.  (2)  The importance of wisdom is seen in the words that Solomon uses in connection with it.  He uses such words as "instruction," "understanding," "justice," "judgment," "knowledge," and "discretion," in connection with wisdom.  In the book, Solomon stresses the importance of each of these words.  Of the word "instruction" which is used twice in stressing the importance of wisdom, Solomon said, "Take fast hold of instruction; let [her] not go: keep her; for she [is] thy life" (Prov. 4:13; cf. 10:17; 23:23).  The word "understanding" is also used in connection with wisdom.  In stressing its' importance, Solomon said, "...with all thy getting get understanding" (Prov. 4:7; cf. 16:16, 22; 19:8; 23:23).  Of the words "justice" and "judgment" he said, "To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice" (Prov. 21:3).  Likewise, he uses the word "knowledge" to stress the importance of wisdom.  Of knowledge, Solomon said, "Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold" (Prov. 8:10; cf. 24:4, 14).  Of the word "discretion" Solomon said, "Discretion shall preserve thee..." (Prov. 2:11).  Since the importance of each of these words is stressed by Solomon, the importance of wisdom is multiplied because it is used in connection with each of them.  (3)  The importance of wisdom is also seen in the fact that the words "wisdom" and "wise" occur five times in the first six verses.  From the outset of the book, Solomon wants to impress us with the importance of wisdom.   

Second, we are introduced to the INCEPTION of wisdom (vs. 7-19).  Solomon wrote, "The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Prov. 1:7; cf. 9:10; Psa. 111:10).  Solomon says that wisdom begins with the proper attitude toward God - reverence.  When a man has the proper reverence for God, he is then ready to receive the wisdom that God gives.  Solomon wrote, "The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility" (Prov. 15:33; Job 28:28; Psa. 25:12; 112:1).  It is for this reason that Solomon would later say that the whole duty of man is summed up in fearing God and keeping His commandments (Eccl. 12:13).  In the context of Proverbs 1, Solomon is addressing a young man, possibly, his own son.  Three times he uses the expression, "my son" (1:8, 10, 15) to address the young man, who by reason of age, has not yet reached the level of wisdom that he needs.  No doubt, he is trying to emphasize the importance of fearing God at an early age so that this young man can attain the wisdom that he needs to face the problems of youth.  Often, young people are grown before they possess the wisdom that they needed years before (Eccl. 12:1).  By gaining this wisdom in their youth, they will learn the lessons that their parents are trying to teach them and avoid things that could ruin their lives (Prov. 1:8-19).

Third, we are introduced to the INVITATION of wisdom (vs. 20-33).  In the context, Solomon pictures wisdom as a lovely lady crying out to men (1:20).  Solomon says that she cries "without," "in the streets," "in the chief places of the concourse," "in the opening of the gates," and "in the city"(1:20-21).  These places represent all the areas of society.  The rich and the poor, the small and the great, the servant and the master are all called to seek wisdom.  No man is without a need for her.  She blesses the lives of all those who possess her and follow her.  It is also important to notice that wisdom cries for men to seek her (1:20, 24).  No one is forced to seek wisdom.  Man is left to make the choice.  Sadly, Solomon points out that many men will not seek wisdom although she is calling out to them (Prov. 1:22-25).  Those who reject wisdom have no one to blame but themselves when calamity comes (1:26-32).  However, those who accept wisdom will "dwell safely, and be quiet from fear of evil" (1:33).

In this chapter, we have seen the importance of wisdom, the inception of wisdom, and the invitation of wisdom.  With this understanding of wisdom, we need to ask the Lord for wisdom (Jam. 1:5).

God On His Throne

Wade Webster

In the fourth chapter of the book of Revelation, John sees an open door and is invited to come up. When he does as he is invited to do, he sees God on His throne. Five wonderful things stand out about God on His throne - His brightness, His faithfulness, His awesomeness, His holiness, and His worthiness.

First, John saw the brightness of God. We read, “Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald” (Rev. 4:2-3). The jasper was a brilliant transparent stone (Rev. 21:1) and the sardius was a brilliant red stone. The two stones represent the transparent brightness of God. You may recall that John had gotten a glimpse of this transparent brightness of God on the Mount of Transfiguration. Matthew recorded, “Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light (Mat. 17:1-2). Likely, this is what John had in mind in the opening verses of His first epistle. He wrote, “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Did you catch that? In Him there is no darkness at all. In the words of James, there is “no variation or shadow of turning” (Ja m. 1:17). That is transparency. That is brightness. Later, in the book of Revelation John will declare that God is so bright that heaven has no night or need of any other light (Rev. 21:11, 23, 25).

Second, John saw the faithfulness of God. We read, “And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald” (Rev. 4:3). The presence of the rainbow was a reminder of God’s faithfulness. As you remember, God gave the rainbow as a reminder of His promise to never again destroy the world with water. God is faithful (1 Cor. 1:9; 10:13; 2 Cor. 1:18; Rev. 3:14; 22:6). If God says something, He will make it good (Num. 23:19). Not one word of His good promises will fail (1 Kings 8:56).

Third, John saw the awesomeness of God. We read, “And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God” (Rev. 4:5). Both the sounds and the sights impressed John with the awesomeness of God. It reminds the Bible student of when God came down upon the mountain and met with Moses (Exod. 19:16). On another occasion, Moses declared, “For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe” (Deut. 10:17; cf. Neh. 1:5; 9:32; Psa. 47:2; Psa. 111:9).

Fourth, John saw the holiness of God. We read, “The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever” (Rev. 4:8-9). Please note that the words “Holy, holy, holy” are uttered constantly in heaven. Yet, one might argue that even this is not enough. The triple utterance of holy may honor the three persons of the Godhead. It may also picture God’s perfect holiness. Three is sometimes used this way in Scripture. Repeatedly, the writers of the Bible speak of God’s holiness. For example, the Psalmist declared, “Exalt the LORD our God, And worship at His footstool—He is holy” (Psa. 99:5). In like manner, Peter wrote, “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:15-16).

Fifth, John saw the worthiness of God. We read, “The twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord,To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created” (Rev. 4:10-11). God is worthy because of who He is. He is worthy because of what He has done (Rev. 5:8-14). In the Psalms, David declared, “I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies” (Psa. 18:3).

As we get ready to worship this week, let’s see what John saw. Let’s see the brightness, faithfulness, awesomeness, holiness, and worthiness of God.

Worship: The Christian’s Fuel

Wade Webster

We often sing,” This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.”  As Christians, we are on a journey.  The journey is life and the fuel for the journey is worship.   

First, fuel is essential. Our cars, our houses, and our bodies all require fuel. In like manner, worship is essential. Christians run on it. Just as our cars require gas, our houses require electricity, and our bodies require food, our souls require worship. When we understand the essentiality of worship, we will not miss an opportunity to fill up our spiritual tanks (Heb. 10:25). Have you ever thought you were going to run out of gas? Have you ever waited a little too long and run out of gas? The worship services are like a gas station when our cars are running on fumes. They are like a Chick-fil-a when there hasn’t been any food in a hundred miles. When we understand the necessity of worship, we will also not miss an opportunity to encourage others to fill up their spiritual tanks (Heb. 10:24).

Second, fuel is expensive. Gas for our cars is expensive. Gas and electricity for our homes is expensive Food for our bodies is expensive. In like manner, true worship is expensive. We can’t offer to God that which costs us nothing (2 Sam. 24:24). One of my teachers in preaching school gave us an outline on this passage that I have used many times. He called the sermon: Four Attitudes Toward Giving. Attitude 1 – “I will not offer.” Some people are scrooges. They won’t give to anyone or anything. Attitude 2 – “I will not offer unto the Lord.” Some people will give, but not to the Lord. They will give to civic organizations or to special charities, but not to God. Attitude 3 – “I will not offer unto the Lord that which costs me.” Some people will give. They will even give to the Lord. However, they will only give that which doesn’t really cost them anything. Attitude 4 – “I will not offer unto the Lord that which costs me nothing.” The proper attitude toward worship is giving sacrificially.

Charles Spurgeon once wrote, “Many may be met with who know God, but never glorify him as God, because they never adore him, and worship him, with the love of their hearts. They go to church or to some place of worship regularly, and sing psalms and hymns, and they may even have family-prayer at home; but their heart has never adored the living God with living love. Their worship has a name to live, but it is dead. They present to the Lord all the eternal harvest of worship, but the corn is gone, only the straw and the husk are there…”

Third, fuel is evaluated. Gas for your car is inspected and approved. There is a state regulatory commission that tests its purity. Electricity and gas for your home are regulated and metered. Food is carefully screened by the FDA and ingredients and nutritional information are listed on the package. In like manner, our worship is being measured. It will be approved or rejected based upon its purity. In the book of Revelation, John wrote, “And there was given unto me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein” (Rev. 11:1). Measuring the temple and the altar doesn’t trouble me very much. However, the measuring of the worshippers does. We do not want to be weighed in the balances of God and be found wanting (Dan. 5:27). Do you remember when you were a little kid and went to an amusement park? Do you remember the measuring sticks that were posted at the rides to determine whether or not you were tall enough to ride? Do you remember how disappointed you were when you came up short? Just think of how horrible it would be to come up short when measured by God’s measuring stick or His word (Phil. 3:16; 2 Thess. 3:6; John 12:48).

To be acceptable, worship has to be in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).In spirit has to do with the right attitude. God looks on the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). In truth has to do with the right action. We have to do what God commands us to do in the way that He commands it to be done (Lev. 10:1-2/Eph. 5:19; Gen. 4/Heb. 11:4; Mt.. 15:7-9).

In this lesson, we have examined the Christian's fuel - worship. As we get ready to worship this weekend, let's make sure that we don’t neglect to fill up our spiritual tanks.

What the Savior Saw in the Seven Churches

Wade Webster

The Apostle John saw Jesus walking among the seven churches of Asia (Rev. 1:12-20; 2:1). With His piercing eyes of fire, Jesus saw the good and the bad of every congregation. Let’s see what He saw when He visited each of them.

The first church that Jesus visited was emotionless Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7). They were strong against error (Rev. 2:2, 6), but they were lacking in love. They had left the love they had for Christ at the first(Rev. 2:4). Their love needed to be rekindled.

The second church that Jesus visited was suffering Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11). This church was facing tribulation, poverty, blasphemy, prison, trial, and death. Jesus spoke words of comfort and hope to them. He told them not to be afraid and to remain faithful (Rev. 2:10).

The third church that Jesus visited was permissive Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-17). This church was lax with members holding certain false doctrines (Rev. 2:14-15) . It was just a matter of time before what they permitted was preached.

The fourth church that Jesus visited was tolerant Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29). They were not just allowing certain false doctrines to be held by members, they were allowing them to be taught (Rev. 2:20; Gal. 2:4-5; Eph. 5:11; 2 John 9-11; Rom. 16:17-18). They had taken the next step toward full blown apostasy.

The fifth church that Jesus visited was spiritless Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6). As you know, death occurs when the spirit leaves the body (Jam. 2:26). The church at Sardis was dead by this definition. There was no spirit or life in them.

The sixth church that Jesus visited was patient Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13). In the midst of great persecution, they had not denied Christ’s name. They had held fast to the word of His patience (Rev. 3:8; 10-11).

The seventh and final church that Jesus visited was lukewarm Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22). This church had lost its zeal, enthusiasm, and fervor. It was poor, wretched, miserable, and blind, but didn’t know it.

I am convinced that Jesus remains concerned about His church. As we get ready to worship this week, let’s give serious consideration to what He would see among us. Would he find us patiently persevering? Would he find us doctrinally pure in the pulpit and in the pew? Would he find us lacking in love or zeal? Would he find us dead? Would he call for us to repent?