Sometime after John’s first vision, in which he receives the messages for the churches, he is again shown another, this time of an open door to heaven. Even the trance or ecstatic state in verse 2 seems separate from the “sight” of the door in verse 1.
John is taken to what we would refer to as the throne room, God’s headquarters, if we can be so colloquial. The Old Testament writings also saw God as enthroned in heaven. And what he saw had to be spectacular; I’m sure I cannot find a word satisfactory enough to explain the splendor. The mention of jasper, sardius, emerald, all come into play, and we can only try to explain them.
There is a throne, and One on that throne, who is God the Father. Around the throne are 24 other thrones, upon which sit 24 elders. Even closer to the throne are seven lamps (more like torches), and also four living beings (creatures). There is a sea of glass, lightning, thunder, and something else:
AMAZING praise, worship, and adoration of God. Holy, holy, holy is the song that is sung, and sung about God’s eternality. The theme of this worship is summed up in the last verse of the chapter, God the Creator. John is reminded of just Who is in control. Most of the rest of Revelation has John spending time in heaven receiving this Word, this revelation from God of what is soon to occur.
John is summoned to receive this Word (the church is not), and He is told of things that MUST take place, the certainty of God’s plan unfolding. In this apocalyptic prophecy, the period of the churches has run its course, the messages have been sent out, and now chapters 4 and following will happen.
John mentions jasper, this was probably more like a diamond, as opposed to jasper today. Ancient jasper was quite different, sparkling, brilliant. Sardius was a fiery, deep red. Together these would evoke the idea of holiness and justice. The predominance of emerald in the rainbow would be reminders of grace and mercy, the hope of deliverance.
So much symbolism is used, and it may be difficult to say with certainty what each item represents. Various commentators offer multiple suggestions, a summary of which is worth noting.
The four creatures are living beings, probably an exalted order of angels, as the seraphim in Isaiah. We see in them, by their descriptions, nobility, strength, wisdom, and speed. They are alert and ready to carry out God’s plan at a moment’s notice. And their praise is incessant before the throne.
The 24 elders have been typically assumed to represent the church, and some dispensational authors now believe them to be a class of angels a bit lower than the previously-mentioned beings. That they have crowns indicates their royalty, and when they voluntarily surrender them, they pay even greater honor to God. God gave them existence by His specific actions, and the theme of the song they sing is that of creation, not redemption.
So picture the heavenly court. God in the center, surrounded by those assisting Him in His control of the universe. The torches, blazing and fierce (words used imply torches for outdoors, which burn strong), are representative of the Holy Spirit, so here exists two persons of the Trinity. Christ, too will make His appearance here soon. Thunder and lightning reminds me of Mt. Sinai, God is again ready to act. His court is poised to launch the massive program to purify God’s creation.
John gets to see firsthand this assembly of God’s inner circle. We also know by looking ahead that the church is no longer mentioned in Revelation, so we must assume that Rapture occurs prior to what John sees as about to transpire. I must conclude not only that the church is not in this scene in Revelation 4, but also that the church is not going to be subject to what will take place regarding the judgments to soon follow. Controversial? Probably. Let’s read together, and marvel at the glory we have the privilege to someday behold.
SO WHAT…?
So, following the lead of angels who know God so well, I must call Him holy, and live a life of non-stop worship.
So, when God says “must”, I know for sure it will come to pass. God has planned to “re-set” His creation. Likewise, when He says I “shall” have eternal life in Christ, I know for sure He means it.
So, think on these words to a song, a version of which is sung by Allen Asbury, “I Can Only Imagine”. It gives me chills. Go to http://www.allenasbury.com/fr_store.cfm, and scroll down to where you can listen to individual tracks on “Timeless”.
“Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine!”
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