January 19 - The Throne Room (pt. 2)

January 19 – The Throne Room (pt. 2)
Revelation 4:1-11

John looked and before him was a door that was already standing open. He hears the voice that sounds like a trumpet – the same voice from Revelation 1:10. He was in the Spirit again (Rev. 1:10 again) and simultaneously he was in heaven, looking upon the throne of God, the Father Almighty.

The imagery in this chapter is nearly overwhelming. There is a throne with someone sitting on it. A rainbow encircles the throne and surrounding it are twenty-four other thrones, with elders seated. White and gold, emerald, jasper, carnelian. Colors explode in this vision! Sights and sounds. Flashes of lightning, peals of thunder. Lamps are blazing. A sea of glass, clear as crystal. Extraordinary creatures – things that John had never seen before. All of these filled his senses as he stood in awe.

This chapter is filled with so many vivid images. But, at the center of it, we must fully understand that this is God’s throne room. He is seated on the throne. This imagery has been in place since the very beginning.

“Look down from heaven, your holy dwelling place and bless your people Israel and the land you have given us as you promised on oath to our forefathers, a land flowing with milk and honey.” (Deuteronomy 26:15)

“Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.” (1 Kings 8:30)

“The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place.” (2 Chronicles 30:27)

“I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven.” (Psalm 123:1)

“This is what the Lord says, ‘Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool.” (Isaiah 66:1a)

Heaven is the home of God … His dwelling place. John stands before Him.

We are welcome in this place. We are given the chance to see the immeasurable glories of the throne room where the only thing that can be done is to worship.