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March 29th, 2024
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gary damronMY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron

 

After reviewing the first three chapters of Revelation, which detail Jesus’ message to seven churches in Asia Minor, we move on to chapter 4. The scene and subject change, as the book progresses from talk of “things present” to “things that are to come”. The imperfections, restlessness and apprehension of earth give way to an atmosphere of perfect assurance and peace in heaven. One foundational reason believers trust in heaven is that their faith begins with words in the first verse in the Bible, “…God created”. 

Following is an overview of John’s seven visions found in chapters 4 through 22 in the last book of the Bible. (1) The Throne and the Lamb, (2) The Seven Seals, (3) The Seven Trumpets, (4) The Sevenfold Vision, (5) The Seven Bowls, (6) The Seven Last Scenes, and (7) The New Jerusalem. Today we will look at The Throne and God the Creator; next week in chapter 5, at Christ the Redeemer. 

The Throne vision began with a glimpse through an open door. “‘After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things”’” (Revelation 4:1). The prophecy had spoken of open doors before. Jesus’ message to Philadelphia of the “‘open door which no one can shut’” (Rev 3:8) is one of outreach to any who will believe. We’re also told that Jesus is waiting to be invited into our heart. “‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock’” (Revelation 3:20). 

John let us know that the vision he saw was spiritual, not a physical lifting up to heaven, yet he tried in physical terms to describe unimaginable splendor. He used words similar to Ezekiel and Isaiah, where brilliant lights paralleled the sparkling of jewels. The rainbow surrounding the throne reassured John – the same God who was lifting him up was the One who saved Noah and symbolized his covenant with a bow in the sky (Genesis 9:13). 

Around the great Throne were 24 others, and elders wearing white robes and golden crowns. The scene was orderly and structured, portraying the rule of God through men as Moses’ father-in-law Jethro outlined in Genesis 18:17-23. The twelve tribes of Israel, and the twelve apostles in the New Testament may comprise this combination of 24 representatives of the Church. At least they represent, combined in heaven, those two times of dispensation.

John’s language continued its attempt to describe the scene around the throne: “‘… flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind’” (Revelation 4:5-6). The sea is reminiscent of seas in Greek and Hebrew mythology - water of vast distance, clarity, transparency and openness. 

Some versions translate the word for living creatures as “beast” but these should not be confused with the Beast of Revelation. The creatures were full of eyes, constantly aware; they were persistent in what they said. There’s a connection between God and nature, and in the scene, John saw these representatives of creation worshiping the Creator in harmony. The language of heaven is praise. “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). 

I would urge you to do some reading on the conditions provided by our Creator for earth to sustain life – the narrow range of surface temperature, our correct distance from the sun, the perfect mix of oxygen and carbon dioxide, even the chemical characteristics of water. All are put in place by the mind of a Creator, who sees an image that is measureless. He has an aspiration, and he wills it into perfection. From the most intricate microscopic being to the grandeur of the galaxies, everything was pronounced good (Genesis chapter 1). Astrophysicist Hugh Norman Ross (https://reasons.org) asserts there is no conflict between reason and research when scientific dialogue takes place in a forum of respect and exploration. 

Research into the Book of Revelation revealed to me anew that there are two kingdoms: we live in this world, but we are not of it. Jesus told his followers, “‘My kingdom is not of this world’” (John 18:36). And, “‘In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world’” (John 16:33). Countless people have already faced their own ‘end times’ and many of us may die before the prophesied End Times. All can find refuge in the Christ of Revelation. 

Yes, in 2020, creation is being ravaged with disease, hardship, storms, fires, and hatred. But John’s vision of beauty and order restored in the new kingdom brings gratitude and expectation. With the elders, our response is to bow and offer praise. “‘Worthy are you, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and because of your will they existed, and were created’” (Revelation 4:11). 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR, Reita Isaacs, Liberal

 

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