Revelation 4:10–11: “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.'”

August 28th, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

John gives us a rare scriptural glimpse into heaven as cherubim, angels, and humans worship before the Lord. The words of their praise song are simple and instructive. In God’s presence, everything becomes crystal clear. These superiorly intelligent creatures understand the most basic, fundamental, foundational truth of all eternity—that they exist to bring God pleasure. Many of us humans still on earth fail to fully grasp that we also exist, were created, to bring God pleasure. There is an important corollary between understanding this truth and finding fulfillment here on earth, no matter what our circumstances are. When we bring God pleasure, we discover pleasure.

Every day, each of us has a choice to make, either to live to bring ourselves pleasure or live to bring God pleasure. If we live to bring ourselves pleasure, our lives will become frustrated, unhappy, unfulfilled, and empty; but the day we chose to bring God pleasure, we will suddenly find fulfillment, satisfaction, and significance. A light bulb goes off in us as we suddenly realize, “Oh yes, Lord, this is what I am created to do and be. I am made to bring You pleasure.” This is our occupation until we move into heaven and the so much more beyond that will follow there.

In Spain, before Christopher Columbus discovered the New World, they believed they were the end of the world, that there was nothing beyond them. In fact, Spain’s motto was ne plus ultra, which translates to “no more beyond.” But Christopher Columbus famously disproved their belief. And so today, if you travel to Valladolid, Spain, where Columbus died in 1506, you will see a large monument built in his honor. It depicts a lion as his large paw swipes away the “no” in the motto, “no more beyond,” leaving only “more beyond.” At least one of the reasons the Lord took John to heaven was to show John that He had prepared “more beyond” for us. If you are feeling discouraged today, press on fellow sojourner, because God has things planed for us that make these present sufferings so small. Find your fulfillment in the only reliable place, worshiping before the throne of God.

“LORD, we look to You this day to walk with us and keep us serving You faithfully in Jesus’ name.”