Soul Snack 8/181 ... Crowns Down
This open door was glaringly inviting, so too the voice that was heard.
John is ushered into a breathtaking eclipse of wealth and beauty. Two concentric circles strike at all his imaginings, as now a mortal intellect must submit to this heavenly scene. (Reflections from Rev 4)
Encircling the throne is a rainbow, but rainbows aren't circles on earth. Encompassing the God of heaven are the colours of earth. Their brightness, their attractiveness, their life bringing joy alluring all with visual access towards Him who sits on the Throne. Colours that defy distraction invade the onlookers senses to gaze intensely into the hub of eternity.
Four bizarre supernatural creatures gather around this throne. Twenty-four elders - pure sages of the ages too form the ensuing circle around His throne.
Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say ... Rev 4:9 -10
All eyes focused forward - no introspection or mirror gazing in this supernatural scene.
The four living creatures begin to praise (v8), and the twenty-four elders follow suit. They are the righteous rulers, they are His heavenly counsel. These regal elders remove their crowns to conduct their praise. They humbly place their crowns at His feet.
Praising God is like that, isn't it?
When I praise God others will follow. Its contagious, but I am unable to praise God until I lay my crown down before His throne, He MUST rule me first. (see also Jonah 3:6)
Can I ever get too much of God and not enough of me?