This chapter of the Revelation of Jesus Christ opens dramatically with the appearance of the great God, whose throne is in heaven, compassed about with the heavenly host. This discovery was made to John.
Here in Revelation 4:1-7, John records the heavenly sight he saw. “….He (John) looked, and, behold, (in awe) a door was opened in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which trumpet said, Come up here, and I will show you things which must be hereafter.
“And immediately I was in the spirit: and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. (This is not like what we picture in our minds, but a position of supremacy and authority). And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
“And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto (looked like) crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.”
And then, John hears heavenly songs, Revelation 4:8-11.. 8 And the four (living creatures) beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they do not rest day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. (They never stop praising the eternal, Lord God Almighty, the Ancient of Days).
“And when those living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who lives for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that lives for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created.”
What can we learn from these dramatic, beautiful scenes in heaven? It’s offers us a view of the heavenly surroundings! We can envision there is life beyond what we experience here.
Some might say, “Aaaw, so what?” Isn’t it comforting to know and realize that the Lord God Almighty controls everything, knows everything the end from the beginning? Some might say, “you have to wait too long to experience this ecstasy.” Meantime, the Lord says, “Occupy until I come.”
Do all we can through Jesus Christ to help others and demonstrate how the Lord would want us to be and how to act. This message praises the Lord that He is worthy as creator to receive glory and honor and He wills all according to His preference.
If you become fearful and filled with doubt, remember these things, and imagine His glory in the heavens. Praise is powerful and crying aloud will reach the Lord’s ears.
Thanks for reading! Jeanette Grattan Parker is the founder-superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, L.A. 90043, 323-293-9826, www.todaysfreshstart.org, (Ask Dr. Jeanette TM) “Inquiring Minds Want to Know.” All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © [email protected]. Any errors? Let me know. References: Matthew Henry Commentary. Studylight.org. MacArthur Sudy Bible.