Revelation 4 ~ The Throne of the Universe
The 4th chapter in the book of Revelation paints a scene of the heavenly throne (comparisons may be drawn from Ezekiel 1:22, 26-28). While one may be tempted to interpret all the descriptions word-for-word, we need to remember that the account recorded in Revelation 4 is one of symbolization, as illustrated by the numerous "had the appearance of" phrases.
Why can't John just tell us exactly what he saw instead of resorting to symbols? Pastor Joshua provided us with a good example. Imagine trying to explain what a phone is to someone living in the 1st century, with only words. Not that easy, is it? It isn't hard to imagine how that person will respond by asking many side questions like how it is possible to actually transmit sounds from one place to another, and that even before venturing into more complicated topics like the physics of sound waves! Similarly, we have yet to experience the vision of this throne in heaven unlike John - he had to break it all down into simple words that we can understand, based on the very limited understanding that we originally possess.
The one seated on the throne (verse 2) was pictured as powerful, mighty, majestic and radiant by descriptions of overwhelming brilliance such as having the appearance of jasper and carnelian (verse 3) as well as a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald (verse 3). Flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder (verse 5) marked the holy presence of God (just like the similar moment in Exodus 19 when the Lord descended on Mount Sinai). The 24 elders (once again clothed in the victorious colour of white) and 4 living creatures are angelic beings who worship the Lord God (seated on this throne) who lives forever and ever (verses 9 and 10).
Like these angelic beings, we need to acknowledge that worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created (verse 11). Our spiritual worship should embody us presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). After all, holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come (verse 8)!
Why can't John just tell us exactly what he saw instead of resorting to symbols? Pastor Joshua provided us with a good example. Imagine trying to explain what a phone is to someone living in the 1st century, with only words. Not that easy, is it? It isn't hard to imagine how that person will respond by asking many side questions like how it is possible to actually transmit sounds from one place to another, and that even before venturing into more complicated topics like the physics of sound waves! Similarly, we have yet to experience the vision of this throne in heaven unlike John - he had to break it all down into simple words that we can understand, based on the very limited understanding that we originally possess.
The one seated on the throne (verse 2) was pictured as powerful, mighty, majestic and radiant by descriptions of overwhelming brilliance such as having the appearance of jasper and carnelian (verse 3) as well as a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald (verse 3). Flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder (verse 5) marked the holy presence of God (just like the similar moment in Exodus 19 when the Lord descended on Mount Sinai). The 24 elders (once again clothed in the victorious colour of white) and 4 living creatures are angelic beings who worship the Lord God (seated on this throne) who lives forever and ever (verses 9 and 10).
Like these angelic beings, we need to acknowledge that worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created (verse 11). Our spiritual worship should embody us presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). After all, holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come (verse 8)!
Labels: Australia, Christianity, Revelation
posted by Shih Ying GUN (Jane) @ 1:15 AM
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