The Throne of God
For Meditation
Things are not what they seem. That has been a theme that we have been reminded of each week in our study on Revelation. Apocalypse means “unveiling,” or an uncovering of what is true but what cannot be seen. John’s aim in writing this letter is helping his readers to “behold” (one of his favorite words) what is always there but what cannot be normally seen.
In chapters 4 and 5 of the book of Revelation, arguably the core chapters of this book, we are given access to see what is at the very heart of reality: the throne of God. This is not a picture of the future or of a heavenly resting place. John is given access to see a vision of what is happening right now, where God is currently seated on the throne. It is a vision of astonishing beauty that defies language. And around the throne are symbols of humanity and all creation (the elders and the creatures) who are giving God continuous praise.
What should we do this? This vision of worship is a call to worship. Chatper 4 is a message to people who are afraid, anxious, bored or apathetic. The remedy for all these conditions, John suggests, is worship. To do what we were made to do, to do what all creation is doing, to join the praise of worship that is happening right now around the throne of God. To see God in his beauty is to see true reality, which in turn delivers us from our fears and apathy.
In preparation for worship, try finding an audio version of the Bible (check out the Dwell bible app or the YouVersion Bible App) and listen to Revelation 4 and 5 read to you. Close your eyes and see the scene in your imagination. Ask God to give you eyes to see true reality, and the desire to join in the praise of creation.
Revelation 4
1 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. 6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
“‘Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,’
who was, and is, and is to come.”
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being.”
Note: We will not be going through the Revelation series at our outdoor services. Instead, we’ll be looking at short stories about Jesus from the Gospel accounts. Keep up with this Revelation sermon series by listening here.