Worth Praising With Exuberance
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Revelation 1:5-6
If there is anything the book of Revelation reveals, it is that God is worthy to be praised. Amidst the imagery and action as God’s plan is fulfilled, the language of praise and worship bursts forth with exuberance.
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Even in his greetings to the churches, John cannot help but add a note of praise. H. A. Ironside explains the reason why.
WALK WITH H. A. IRONSIDE
“John’s heart was full and could hold back no longer. Adoration and praise were the spontaneous result of Christ’s person and offices as Prophet, Priest, and King.
“Then John heralds the glad news of his coming again. He is going to return—not as a babe, born of woman, but as the glorified one descending from heaven. John speaks for all the church when he cries with rapture, ‘So shall it be! Amen’ (Revelation 1:7).
“He is the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the ending; he created all things; he will wind up all things and will bring in the new heavens and the new earth. He is, and was, and is the coming one. May our hearts be occupied with him, and his return be ever for us ‘the blessed hope’ (Titus 2:13)!”
WALK CLOSER TO GOD
What better way to begin a month of praise than to sing Charles Wesley’s great hymn:
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy Name.
Glory to God, and praise, and love
Be now and ever given
By saints below and saints above,
The Church in earth and heaven.
