Revelation 4:10-11
the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.”
Most believers and many unbelievers have some idea of what they think heaven will be like. We hear stories of people who claim to have died and viewed heaven only to be revived and continue to live. Many of those occurrences have resulted in books, talk show appearances, and many simply share their story with local congregations.
In John's vision, his story sounds very different from the ones we hear of in our day. In chapter one of the Revelation, our author has been exiled to the Isle of Patmos. It was there where John would hear a voice and see a lamb. In his words, it was a lamb that had been slain from the foundation of the world. Of course, this lamb was Jesus. A very detailed description was given about the appearance of Christ. John views Him in His glory.
In chapter four God calls John up into Heaven and allows him to write what he sees. The things recorded are the focus of my mind. Unlike the stories we hear today, it seems that John had one primary focus, the throne of God. There will be other things mentioned throughout the book, but the primary focus of the author is the Throne and the one who sits on it. The word throne is mentioned around 35 times in the Revelation. It clearly stood out to the faithful but outcast preacher of the Gospel.
The thought of seeing a throne may not seem to be a big deal to many, but John saw it differently. It wasn’t just a chair or a piece of furniture, it was the symbol of God’s sovereignty and majesty. Believers should be encouraged by what was seen in this vision. It is not only the comfort of the throne, but also knowing there is a sovereign ruler sitting on it.
The details of this event just simply do not match the “heaven” accounts given in our day. John beholds lightning, sees angels, hears thunder, and sees 24 elders. Worship is taking place! He records about four beasts who have one job, to cry "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty"!
Believer, look to the heavens with confidence that we have a sovereign Lord, sitting on the throne. He is governing over His Kingdom and we are safe and secure. Let us worship Him as those who are in Heaven. He is a Good God!
In His service,
Pastor Richie Honeycutt
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