BACKGROUND
This is where the fun begins! "Be not afraid . . . Behold your God!" comes to mind as I edit this post and listen to Handel's Messiah (Isaiah 40:9). Do not be afraid of Revelation! You will behold Your God through it. Guaranteed. That is a WIN-WIN in my book!
Revelation 4-22 outlines what 1:17 says will happen in the future. These are the things that must take place (the Greek word dei can only mean "must').
This view of the glowing rainbow around God's throne may seem familiar to you if you have been in the Bible Book Club for a while. Take a look at Ezekiel 1:22-28. The jasper is a clear stone (21:11), the carnelian is a ruby, and the sardius is a ruby-red color. Jasper and carnelian were worn on the breast of the high priest (Exodus 28:17-21).
There is speculation about the identity of the twenty-four elders around the throne. They wore crowns like those given to victors in the Greek games and not crowns of sovereign rulers. Some commentators believe that since there were 12 tribes of Israel in the Old Testament and 12 apostles in the New Testament that they represent all God's redeemed for all time who are worshiping Him.
The seven spirits of God in the seven lamps refer to the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2-3; Zechariah 4:2-6; Revelation 1:4; 5:6). The four living creatures have been interpreted as representing the attributes of God.
This is a scene of worship in heaven, and I do not want a lengthy post to distract you from the worship of our great God seated upon His throne!
APPLICATION
Worship! (Isn't Revelation fun and not scary?)
Let this song, based on this chapter, bring You before the King!
PRAYER
Lord, You are on Your throne, and we worship You. "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."
1 comment:
Filled with wonder - awestruck wonder.
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