Cast your crown

June 15, 2006

By Dan Turpin

Has this world been so kind to you that you should leave with regret? There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.

— C.S. Lewis

The most anticipated and joyous event in heaven occurs when the hosts of redeemed saints gather for worship before God’s throne. This is the moment for which heaven’s inhabitants live. This particular service is called into session by four living creatures, the praise and worship leaders of the eternal city. They begin each gathering with the theme song of heaven, singing out in glorious harmony, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8, NIV).

The rolling beauty of these passionate praises resounds through the throne room and corridors of splendor. When the living creatures worship, every person follows their example. There are no inhibitions at the throne, so the thunderous roar of heartfelt gratitude flows like bubbling fountains from the lips of an innumerable host of redeemed saints. Praise like burning fire rises in exuberant worship from the lips of those who passionately love God.

Redeemed individuals appointed as ambassadors of the throne, the 24 elders fall down before God and cast their crowns at His feet. They act out their deepest emotions saying to the Lord through this demonstration, “Lord God, You mean more to us than anything You have ever given us.” God’s servants are thankful for their rewards, but even more grateful for the opportunity to see God face to face. This time of worship before the throne of God is heaven’s greatest moment.

There is nothing in heaven, as glorious as it is, that can compare to the Lord’s majesty. This glimpse of heavenly worship serves to remind us that we must hold material blessings lightly and spiritual blessings tightly. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19,20).

Dan Turpin is senior pastor of West Coast Church (AG) in Englewood, Fla.