9 And whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the One seated on the throne who lives forever and ever,

10 the twenty-four elders fall down before the One seated on the throne, and they worship Him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying:

11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and came to be.”

— Revelation 4:9-11

6 O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

7-8a For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep under His care. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…

— Psalm 95:6, 7-8a

4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.

6 Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty fill His sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering and enter His courts.

9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.

–Psalm 96:4, 6-9

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Bountiful grace and mercy to you from the incarnated God, the Savior Jesus Christ.

While the 4 living creatures, surrounding God’s throne, give glory, honor and thanks to God, there are 24 elders joining their chorus of praise. God is honored when time worshipping in His presence is a delight, not a duty. Thanksgiving rises from grateful hearts, expressing gratitude for all He is and does. Heaven’s continuous praise reiterates God’s worthiness. True worship on earth likewise focuses resolutely on God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The 24 elders respond by offering God worship and submission. They fall down before God’s throne to worship the eternal King who lives forever. To bow down before God implies more than physical posture. Recognizing God’s greatness leaves us no alternative. We must rightfully humble ourselves before the One who is worthy of all allegiance and adoration. To bow before God is not to cringe before Him. Rather, the proper response to God’s greatness is to throw off pride and humbly defer to Him. Those who see God for who He is gratefully honor Him for all He is and has done. Amen and amen! Surrendering to God brings such a joy, even an ecstasy to us, His children.