Day 359

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Scripture

December 24—Revelation 4-6: Seven Seals

Observation

The Curious Act of Casting a Crown—the twenty-four elders who cast their crowns before God's throne (4:10) were showing their submission and surrender. In ancient times a king captured in battle would cast his crown at the feet of the victor as if to say, "I surrender completely to you."

Later in chapter 4 John's attention is turned from seven local assembles on earth to one great assembly of saints in heaven. God is seated upon his throne, looking for someone who is worthy to unleash great judgment upon the earth—authority that only the Lamb of God and Lion of Judah possesses. As the Lamb receives the seven-sealed scroll of judgment, all the heavenly creatures bow in worship. The breaking of the first six seals releases war, famine, death, earthquake and cosmic upheaval, marking "the great day of their anger" (6:17).

Application

With a pencil in each hand, see if you can draw a circle with your left hand and a square with your right simultaneously. Next, try to read the first few lines on this page silently while reciting aloud the opening lines of the "The Star-Spangled Banner." Did you find these two exercises difficult . . . or even impossible? It's hard to concentrate on more than one activity at a time. And when concentration fades, performance suffers as a result.

Trace the theme of "worship" through the Scriptures and you will soon discover how often the physical posture of worship is emphasized. One commentator has defined worship as "the focus of one's body, mind and spirit on the object of affection." And that kind of focus is difficult—if not impossible—when your eyes and ears, mind and heart are distracted by extraneous sights, sounds and thoughts.

Today as you complete your Bible study, find a quiet place to kneel. With hands folded, eyes closed and heart attuned to God, focus your entire being upon the One who is worthy of your fullest concentration and undivided devotion. You may want to read 4:8-5:14 out loud as the expression of your grateful heart.

Prayer

In this broken world we live in, Father, it is difficult to rejoice always. But we know that to live according to your will, our life will be a joyful experience pleasing in your sight and we won't have to go through the terrible Tribulation period. We rejoice in you, Lord. We rejoice in you always while watching and waiting for your return for us who believe in you our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen! 

In Good Times and Bad Times!





© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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