“Worship God (Revelation 22:9b).”
This was the command John was given by the angel. Yesterday we looked at the shocking context of that command. John had fallen down before the angel to worship. But the angel first commanded him with the strong words: “You must not do that!” The first command was necessary but the second command was essential and one that is central to the purpose of this book: Worship God.
We should not simply settle for the fact that we do not worship the false gods of this world. No, we are called to do more than keep ourselves from idols; we are called to worship God. We are hard-wired to worship; so, if we fail to take heed to this second command we will fail in the first. That is to say, if we do not actively worship the true God, we will worship something or someone even if we think we are keeping ourselves from false religions.
Worship is not optional; indeed, worship is the end for which we were made. However, only one is worthy of our worship and the whole book of Revelation should move us to act upon this call.
The “songs” of Revelation tell us this. In chapter 4 we heard the twenty-four elders lay down their crowns before the throne of God and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being.” Variations of this song are sung by different groups in chapters 5, 7, and 15.
The thrones, as well as the songs, tell us this same truth. In chapter 4 we see precious stones along with fire, lightning and thunder used to draw our attention to the throne that stands at the center of all that happens in heaven. While there are other thrones mentioned in the book, at the end of the book there is only one throne that will be there among his people - the throne of God. It is concerning this one who sits on the throne that the mighty angel commands, “Worship God.”