Chapter 4
-Chapter four begins with a time line phrase “after this
(Revelation 4:1).” This is a marker in the text and a transition into John’s
vision in which he is taken in the Spirit to Heaven (Revelation 4:1-2). He
perceives the Lord in His majesty seated on His throne with vivid description
and the heavenly hosts are brilliantly described (Revelation 4:2-11). The voice
that called him up sounded like a trumpet (compare, this is the same sound as
in Revelation 1:10). This denotes symbolically a warning sound to alert. This
messenger, or angel, was allowed to reveal to John the things that were to take
place after this (Revelation 4:1). This indicates a future revelation as to the
things that “will be (Revelation 1:4, 8).” The Lord had the appearance of
jasper, carnelian, rainbow, and emerald in majestic brilliance. Around the Lord
were 24 elders on 24 thrones clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on
their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightening, rumblings, and peals
of thunder. Before the throne were seven torches of fires representing the
seven spirits of God and a crystal sea like glass. Around the throne were four
creatures who were alive that had the appearance of a lion, an ox, the face of
a man, and an eagle in flight. These creatures were full of eyes all around and
within, and they worshiped the Lord night and day proclaiming, “Holy, holy,
holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come (Revelation 4:8).”
And whenever the living creatures give this glory, honor, and thanks to Him who
sits on the throne, the 24 elders fall down before Him in reverence and worship
as well casting their crowns before the throne saying, “Worthy are you, our
Lord and God, to receive glory, and honor, and power, for You created all
things, and by Your will they existed and were created (Revelation 4:11).”
*Application* We have the opportunity to praise and worship the Lord in this
exact same way. He is to be exalted. Enjoy His presence where you are on this
earth. There is a reason why He prayed while in His incarnation, “Your will be
done on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10).” God’s presence can come down
to us because of His great love. We can look forward to His glory in Heaven,
but it can also be experience with great vibrancy here on this earth as well.
His Spirit indwells His people! I’m not waiting for the afterlife, we can be
filled with Him now! Worship the Lord with gladness (Psalms 100:2, Acts 2:28)!
Verse to Memorize:
Revelation 4:11
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