260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 242 - Revelation 4: The Throne in Heaven

A few years back I attempted to draw (I have artistic deficiency) this chapter on a sheet of paper. I know, crazy exercise, but it helped me to try to get an idea of what John was seeing. Just as John’s first vision ends, he is summoned for a second one “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” Remember our structure: chapter one = “what was”, chapters 2-3 = “what is” and the rest of Revelation is “what is to come.” Not maybe, not could be, but fixed and certain, these things literally “must” happen. “Throne” is used 37 times in Revelation (13 in this chapter). That’s because it represents authority & rule and when we talk about God we are talking about the one who is in control and ruling! John is attempting to describe the indescribable God. So, if you don’t totally get it, join the club! God the Father’s appearance is awesome! (Check out Ezekiel 1 too). And so is His throne room! So you’ve got God on His throne, and it’s surrounded by four creatures that you won’t find at your local zoo! In front of them are 7 blazing lampstands and some kind of amazing looking sea encompassed by some kind of round rainbow. Around all of these are 24 “elders” (men or angels I’m not sure) who are in white, each have thrones and are repeatedly laying down their crowns, bowing down and telling God He is worthy! And all of this with quite the pyro-tech show of lightning & thunder. Pretty clear huh?!~! Oh, and God the Father is holding a scroll – oops = next chapter! SO WHAT?! *The picture of God on His throne brings numerous applications: 1 - God is in Control: As much as you & I like to be control freaks, it’s only perceived control. Only God is truly in control. “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.” 2 - The throne represents judgment. In the remainder of this book we will read of God’s judgment on those who reject Him. For now, we live in an age of grace where God is offering opportunity for all to believe, but this time period will end. So - Don’t be that guy! Put your trust in Jesus today. *3 – A response of reverence is given by everyone. Many today blow off and mock the things of God. Some day that will all change. Every knee WILL bow and every tongue WILL confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Let’s make Jesus known so people can confess Him now & receive eternal life, instead of judgment when it’s too late.