Revelation 4:1-11
Please read your Bible text: Rev 4:1-11
“…and they lay their crowns before the throne and says, ‘You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power…’ ” – Rev 4:10-11
After being told to write to the seven churches, John saw a door standing open in heaven and a voice (probably the Lord’s voice) inviting him to come up. He was shown things about the coming events soon to take place on earth in the End-times. The very first sight when he entered Heaven was the magnificent and glorious Throne of God.
The Indescribable Throne in Heaven – vv.1-6
Have you ever tried to draw out on paper the things that John saw here – the vision of a Throne sets in heaven? It would be interesting to see how many different versions or ways of drawing it. This is so because God and His heavenly throne are beyond words and imaginations that can possibly describe. I can understand John’s dilemma at the loss of words when he faced that heavenly throne, especially the ONE sitting on the Throne (v.2).
The divine person who sits on that throne has no form; God is Spirit, and His person and His glory could only be hinted at with appropriate imageries. Hence John used precious stones like Jasper (clear like crystal), Carnelian (blood red) to describe the appearance of that someone on the throne (v.3), and Emerald (light green) to explain the glory surrounding the throne. Yet unless the Holy Spirit opens our eyes of understanding (that’s a revelation) – these imageries though in the bible, would fail to capture our amazement. If you think that the sight of the Great Canyon or the peak of Mount Everest is breathtaking – what would it be when you get to see what John saw!
The Insurmountable Worship in Heaven – vv.8-11
The Throne in Heaven speaks of majestic authority and power. The 24 Elders represent the redeemed people, (the 12 Apostles—the church and 12 tribes—Israel) crowned and enthroned. The number 24 symbolizes perfect government. The thunder depicts God’s awesome holiness. The seven lamps are the sevenfold spirits of the one Holy Spirit who searches every heart and mind. The glassy sea bespeaks the mystery of His ways in securing multitudes of nations; and the four living beings, the homage of creation.
The four living beings maybe angels or Cherubim (Eze 10:15-20)). I rather believe that these living beings personified the attributes of the Lord Jesus Christ. The eyes all over these beings bespeak the all-seeing and all-knowing aspect of His deity.
The all-Inclusive Christ revealed – vv.7-8
There are four living beings – the 1st living being is like a lion, the 2nd like an ox, the 3rd like a man, and the 4th like an eagle. Amazingly these four living beings, relate to the four Gospels concerning the life and ministries of our Lord Jesus on earth.
The 1st like a lion relates to Matthew, the Gospel for the Jews which presents Jesus as the King. The 2nd like an ox relates to Mark, the Gospel for the Romans which shows Jesus as a servant, working like an ox. The 3rd, having the face of a man relates to Luke, the Gospel for the Greek (the Gentiles) which presents Jesus as the Son of Man (His humanity). The 4th like an eagle relates to John, the Gospel for the world (including you & me) which presents Jesus as the Son of God (His deity). The ONE (in v.2) John saw on the Throne, apparently is the LORD God (v.9) for when the four living beings called for worship, all the twenty-four Elders fell to the ground and cast aside their crowns and worshipped Him (v.9-10). Here is the theme song in heaven’s worship – “Thou art worthy, Thou art worthy! (v11)”. Pray that the Holy Spirit would grant us a vision of the Heavenly Throne – for then we would be awesomely transfixed. Amen.
Think: The most breathtaking sight of all – the THRONE OF GOD!
Prayer: The Throne of God though, awesomely majestic is also called the Throne of Grace. Lord, help me come boldly unto Your Throne – for then I can obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
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