Can you imagine what that would be like? To have that be your sole existence eternally? I'll be honest, when I was first introduced to those Revelation verses my thoughts were, "How boring! Gee, so glad I'm not one of them 24 elders! Sheesh, how tiring doing nothing but constantly falling down night and day for eternity casting crowns in front of God's throne". I was actually a little afraid that life in heaven would be less than desirable. God is so funny. So many years after that initial thought, I was in a study on Revelation and God brought those exact thoughts back to me - like, right between the eyes! I had to laugh. I mean seriously, I saw how ridiculous my thoughts had been! God just smiled at me. My thoughts had so changed. Over the years, I had discovered for myself how astounding God really is. Not just the words in the bible about Him, but He Himself, personally - how wonderful He is. I came to the understanding that it would be the most interesting, amazing and wonderful thing to actually GET to fall before Him face to face, over and over, worshiping. How each time is brand new, astonishing, distinctly fresh and leading to a whole different level of adoration. Seeing and experiencing previously hidden things, glorious revelation and creative aspects about Him that result in enthusiastic, authentic, wholehearted worship all over again! Just better every time, for all of eternity! I actually began wondering how the elders got that assignment. Then I realized I have that assignment - every day, here on earth and throughout eternity. I am so thankful - so blessed - so overwhelmed when I really think on it - and excited too!
Lately, I've been waking up in the night thinking about this again. God's revealing more about Himself in this time. Our lives - they are about oneness with God. He's made us for Himself. We, like the elders, get to live each moment in the wonder of seeing new things all the time about Him. He wants us to know Him. The most important thing we can ever examine is what we think about God. It forms everything we do, say and are. If we say we trust Him, but act in ways that do not fully confidently display that - can we truly say that we trust Him? Understanding, experiencing who God really is in and for us - it's the key to our growing into the image of Christ.
If I'm blessed to have crowns, they'll never be enough. But, I began to wonder what crowns are really made of. I talked with God about it and my initial impression is that they are the actions of faith in God walked out every day. Some are great, some are small - but they are obedience to God and alignment with His Heart in all things - that is the priceless material that crowns are made of. So much just about worship. He is so worthy, I want to walk in alignment with Him, not because of crowns I'd earn, but because it so blesses His heart and blesses me too. I love blessing His heart. His heart is my resting place and crown of eternal love and joy.
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