We live in a world obsessed with rank, platform, position, and more. We are taught the importance of making a name for ourselves at a young age. Scripture teaches a different story. After reading Scripture, it does not take long to see that this life is not about us. It is not about creating a name for ourselves to be praised by the people around us. It is about lifting the name of Jesus. The angels knew this, and we can learn from and follow their example.
Revelation 22 tells a story of an angel who understood that only God is to be worshiped. In Revelation, John records that an angel revealed things about the future that would come to Him. John confesses that when he heard the things that the angel told him, he “fell down to worship at the feet of the angel” who revealed those things to him (verse 8). Quickly, the angel stopped John. The angel said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!” (verse 9). The angel was not interested in worship. The angel quickly shut John’s attempt to bow down to the angel. He knew only God was worthy of our worship.
We do not use the language of “worship” often regarding ourselves, but sometimes we live our lives like we want to be praised or want to be the “center of attention.” This desire is, unfortunately, a part of our sinful nature. However, we know from Scripture that this life is not about us or our needs. It is all about God, and He is the only Person or thing on earth worthy of worship. Therefore, may we always live lives that point to Him, not ourselves.
This life is not about us. It is not about making a name for ourselves but instead pointing people to the name of Jesus. Do you know someone who is far from Christ? Share with them the Bridge Diagram. As you do this, you will point people straight to God and praise Him.
Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.
No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.
Then the angel said to me, “Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true. The Lord God, who inspires his prophets, has sent his angel to tell his servants what will happen soon.”
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.”
I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. But he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!”
Then he instructed me, “Do not seal up the prophetic words in this book, for the time is near. Let the one who is doing harm continue to do harm; let the one who is vile continue to be vile; let the one who is righteous continue to live righteously; let the one who is holy continue to be holy.”
“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie.
