And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him, and they were full of eyes within, and they rest not day and night, saying Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. Revelation 4:8
The Fredericton radio station where I worked during the 1970s had a daily slot, called The Listening Post, at 8:30 in the morning, during which members of the local clergy took turns presenting a five-minute message. Some of the messages were worthwhile presentations by good and godly men; some preachers actually took the opportunity to deliver a clear Gospel message; others were little more than religious or social fluff, or both. But what I remember most about The Listening Post was the hymn with which it was introduced. At exactly 8:30, the recording of a choir began to sing ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty; Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee’. That hymn was the not just the start of The Listening Post, it was also the trigger for all sorts of activities, as people would take it as their cue to leave for work, head out to school, or begin their morning exercises. The Listening Post, and the radio station that played it, are now silent. But the hymn will carry on for eternity.
The English hymn-writer Reginald Heber had today’s text on his mind as he penned that great anthem of praise. Like the apostle John, Mr. Heber was struck by awe as he considered the declaration of the four creatures that surrounded the throne of Heaven. This declaration brings before us the holiness, the majesty, and the eternal nature of our Lord and Saviour.
Israel was commanded to be holy because God is holy (Leviticus 19:2). Peter reminded the Christians, that they were also called to be holy (1 Peter 1:16). Through our salvation, we have received a perfect standing before God, a holy position. By practice, however, we acknowledge that we fall far short of perfection and holiness. Therefore, we find it difficult to grasp the holiness of God. It far exceeds our ability to understand.
The acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as Lord God Almighty also exceeds our understanding. This great title we take on our lips in deepest reverence. This title brings before us the shameful irreverence of those who speak of Jesus as just another person. The days in which He appeared on earth as a humble carpenter’s son are long past, and He now reigns supreme in Glory as the Almighty.
The four beasts, or living creatures, who appeared around the throne, had a moment in which they came into existence. They are called creatures because, just like us, they are created. And so, to them, the eternal aspect of the Lord Jesus was worthy of their declaration. They confirm what we read elsewhere in the Scriptures, that the Lord Jesus always was, always will be, and now is. Unlike the creatures, including humanity and the angelic realm, He is not created; He is the Creator.
This little glimpse into Heaven must make us to worship. How humble we must feel before the thrice holy One who is the Lord God Almighty! -Jim MacIntosh