As It Is in Heaven - Himalayan Heights – June 4 Readings: Revelation 4:1- 6 – Seated on the Throne

 Revelation 1-5 - Seeing Jesus

All Scripture is God-breathed and useful, but there are some Scriptures that we can consider the Himalayan mountaintops of the Bible. In the next few months, we will be looking at a series of great texts that inspire and move us - the "Himalayan Heights" of God's Word.

Today's Reading:  Revelation 4:1-6

The last book of the Bible does exactly what its title says it will do, it reveals Jesus Christ to us in a way that is unique in Scripture.

1 After this I looked, and there in heaven was an open door. The first voice that I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”

2 Immediately I was in the Spirit, and there was a throne in heaven and someone was seated on it. 3 The one seated there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian stone. A rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald surrounded the throne. 

4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white clothes, with golden crowns on their heads. 

5 Flashes of lightning and rumblings and peals of thunder came from the throne. Seven fiery torches were burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. 6 Something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal, was also before the throne.

Through the Bible Readings: 2 Kings 13-14, John 10:22–42, Psalm69:28–36, Proverbs 14:19-20

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional: As It Is in Heaven    

In Revelation 4:1, John begins the main section of the book. Chapter 1 described Jesus in all of his glory and chapters 2 and 3 were his analysis of the seven churches of Asia Minor. Then, in chapter 4, John is transported to heaven and the rest of Revelation shows how Jesus Christ executes judgment on the world and consummates history in the glory of God.

The story begins in 4:1-6 with a vision of heaven. There are a few of those in Scriptures - Isaiah 6, several in Ezekiel - that show us how things happen where God dwells. John sees what we will see and experiences what we will experience one day when we are in the presence of God. 

First, John saw a throne in heaven, one Isaiah told us was high and exalted. Everyone and everything was focused on it. We can only imagine the beauty and the glory of the heavenly throne room, though John tries to give us what information he can. But, in spite of all the beauty in the place, his focus was not on the throne or its beauty, but on the One seated on the throne. 

John then noticed other thrones in heaven, lesser thrones but awesome nonetheless, and these 24 thrones encircled the great throne. On these were seated twenty-four elders, who likely represent the redeemed of the ages, perhaps the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. In the world, they faced hardships and persecution, but in heaven, they are seated in places of honor and authority. They are clothed in white robes, sinless and righteous, having all their sins washed away, and they wear gold crowns on their heads, signifying that they have received all the rewards of their labor. They served faithfully on earth, many gave their very lives for the cause of Christ, and now they rule in heaven under the authority of the Great One on the great throne. 

Lightning flashed from the throne, and peals of thunder rumbled through heaven.  Even those who are welcome in heaven cannot escape the fact that this is an awesome God, a God who inspires awe among his people and terror in his enemies.  Before the throne were seven burning torches, but this was no normal fire.  They were spiritual creatures, perhaps the Cherubim of the Old Testament, beings of light and glory.  Surrounding the throne is a sea of glass, shining like crystal. 

Much of this imagery is open to interpretation and will never be settled beyond doubt. But there are certain lessons we can learn. In his prayer, Jesus said, "On earth as it is in heaven." Our duty is to learn the ways of heaven and seek to live them out here. 

1. In heaven, God is exalted and everything focuses on him. Too often, we live for ourselves and the things of this world instead of focusing on God. 

2. God is seated on the throne. He is not running for office or fighting to protect that throne. He is seated, at rest. His rule over the world is settled, his sovereignty is secure. He has no rival for his kingdom, for no one can challenge his power and authority.

Father, I praise you and worship you for your glory and power. You are enthroned over this world and everything is yours. May I live my life focused on you. 

Think and Pray:

Is your life lived "on earth as it is in Heaven?"