Scripture Text: Revelation 4:1-11
After this I looked, and there in heaven was an open door. The first voice that I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit, and a throne was set there in heaven. One was seated on the throne.
Revelation 4:1-2 (HCSB)
In recent years many books claim to describe a visit to heaven, usually the result of a near-death experience. Some skeptics view these accounts as fiction, and others attribute them to chemical changes in the dying brain. In a few cases the authors have admitted they made it all up.
Today’s passage is different. John doesn’t describe a near-death experience but rather a vision of the heavenly throne room that he had while “in the Spirit” (v. 2). What John sees is similar to other visions recorded in Scripture by Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. The phrase “after this” in verse 1 signals a shift in focus from John’s present to things that will take place in the future (cf. Revelation 1:19).
In his vision, John saw a throne with someone sitting on it. This unnamed figure who is clearly divine “had the appearance of jasper and ruby” (v. 3). The throne was encircled by a rainbow and surrounded by twenty-four other thrones. This number suggests the twelve Patriarchs of Israel and the twelve Apostles, though the text does not specifically identify them.
Thunder and lightning emanated from the throne and seven blazing lamps stood before it to represent the fullness of God’s Spirit. John also saw four “living creatures” (v. 6) whose description resembled the cherubim of Ezekiel and whose cry echoed that of the seraphs of Isaiah. Whenever these beings gave glory to God, the twenty-four elders lay their crowns before the throne and declared God’s worth.
This is the first of several scenes of heavenly worship. The images may seem strange, for they are intended to describe a heavenly reality in earthly terms. But what is clear is that God is at the center of all heavenly worship.
Reflect
1. Is God the center of your worship?
2. How does the continuous worship in the heavenly scene impact your understanding of worship in your own life?
Remember
The passage emphasizes the centrality of God’s throne, His unmatched glory, the continuous worship in His presence, the humility of the redeemed, the purpose of creation, and the eternal nature of God's kingdom.
Believers-followers of Christ, His glory and power is unmatched. His authority over-rule all authority; His beauty is beyond compare; He deserves to be worshiped, we are to worship Him.
Read
Isaiah 6:1-3; Ezekiel 1:4-24; Romans 12:3; Colossians 1:16-17
Pray
Heavenly Father, I come before Your majestic throne with heart full of awe and reverence.
As I reflect on the vision in Your Word, I acknowledge Your supreme authority and glory. May my worship be continuous, mirroring the adoration of the heavenly beings. Help me to approach You with humility, casting any crowns I may possess at Your feet, recognizing that all honor and authority belong to You. Thank You for the purposeful design of creation and for the assurance that Your kingdom is eternal and secure. In my daily life, may I live in a way that brings You pleasure and aligns with Your will. In the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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