Whew, we’ve had a busy time of it as our guests for the past two weeks just returned to America following an excellent visit. We learned some good things about hosting guests from America – what they like and don’t like, and ways to help them get the most from their visit.
Also, from Tues-Sat, Eric will be at a conference in Morogoro with two of our local pastors investigating more about church planting, worldview and how to be effective at transforming African culture for Christ. It promises to be a good and challenging time, good for Swahili practice and great for building relationships with other African pastors.
This morning (Sunday) I preached again at Reach Chapel, this time on Rev.4 – a view into God’s throne room. This is one of my favorite passages, and I thought I’d share some of the notes from my message here with you:
God gives John a special glimpse into His throneroom – the very center of heaven, dwelling place of God. Very rarely a person is allowed such a vision. For example, in 2 Cor. 12, Paul was transported through a vision to the third heaven (abode of God; first is earth’s atmosphere, second is interplanetary and interstellar space), but was not permitted to speak about it. Closest other passages are Ezekiel 1 and Isaiah 6:1-4 – Read.
4:1 – John enters a state of heightened spiritual awareness. The sight John sees is beyond words, but he has been told to write down what he sees, so he has to do the best he can with limited vocab. No person has seen God or can see God (1 Tim. 6:16), so this is just a reflection of what God and heaven are like. Glorious beyond description.
Illustr. – We recently went on a safari to Mikumi. Sitting on porch, in one glance we saw elephants, giraffe, zebras, wildebeest, water buffalo, baboons, impalas, all there in front of us. But me saying that doesn’t mean much to you. You didn’t experience sights, sounds, smells.
Who is voice speaking to John? (Read 1:9-18). Jesus invites John to come up to heaven through a doorway and to witness what will take place. John must have been scared to death!
Ch. 4 sets stage for rest of Rev. as we witness/worship incredible majesty of God Almighty.
Applic. – Rev. gives us perspective – who we are, who God is, and what the difference is. We tend to think mighty thoughts of ourselves and small thoughts of God. Rev. 4 teaches just the opposite. Everything about who we are and why we exist has to do with God, not us. As we study this, allow Spirit to change your view of reality to fit w/ reality from God’s throne.
The Throne – not a piece of furniture but a symbol of sovereign rule and authority. Common figure of speech in OT and NT.
On the Throne – The One (only words we have about God) – appearance was similar to jasper (clear crystal, probably diamonds) and sardis/carnelian (bright, fiery red stone).
Around the Throne – rainbow – multicolored, but green hue dominates, symbolizing God’s mercy and faithfulness to His promises. Could be horizontal like halo. Note: John describes what is around the throne, not who is on the throne b/c God is indescribable. 24 elders – white robes/golden crowns likely represent believers (12 tribes/ 12 disciples. Probably the church, which is continually engaged in praise and adoration.)
From the Throne – Lightning, thunder (scary). Power of God and coming judgmt vs. sin. Illustr. – Read Ex. 19:16ff – Before 10 Comm., God’s holy presence is manifest on Sinai. Applic. – Don’t get too comfortable with God. Stand in awe and respect of Him. Balance!
Before the Throne – HS in all his fullness was there before throne. 7-fold representation (from Is. 11) speaks of completeness in wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, reverence and deity. Throne sits upon crystal pavement, reflecting splendor.
In and Around the Throne – 4 living creatures – highest of all living beings – Cherubim (angels associated with God’s presence, power and holiness – Ez. 1:4-25). Eyes represent comprehensive knowledge, alertness and perception. Symbolic animal representations à lion = ruler of beasts/strength/power; calf/ox = render humble service to God; face like man = rational beings; flying eagle = serve swiftly/watchfulness. 6 wings (Is.6) – two they cover face out of respect, two they cover lower extremities out of modesty/humility, two they fly in obeying God’s commands.
John overhears part of worship of heaven. They cry out continuously “Holy!” – God’s most obvious attribute (Is. 6:3) emphasizing separateness from creation/sin (trinitarian support, repetition 3 times). God’s holiness extends from eternity past to eternity future.
Toward the Throne – All saints, angels & all that is give glory and worship to God. Applic. – Let’s talk about worship. Any rewards we receive from service to God while on earth (1Cor.3) belong to God, and so the elders lead the way in passing these on to Him – casting crowns at his feet. Only God is worthy of worship. Keep this in mind as we strive for various things during our lifetime. Anything good in life is blessing from above, to be a worship offering to God.
God is worthy of worship b/c He created all that is. Creature is to worship the Creator. He also redeemed us! The heart of sin is not worshipping the God who deserves all worship.
General Application
1. When times get confusing and life seems unclear and difficult, remember Who sits upon the throne. There is security, peace and reassurance in that truth. God is on the throne and in control, whether or not we may perceive it.
2. We cannot grasp the personality, love and presence of God until we understand His supremacy, holiness and transcendence. Can’t understand Ch. 5 (work of Christ) until we understand Ch. 4 (who God is). Everything in our life takes on a new perspective once we understand God is at center. In some ways we are still stuck in the dark ages – think earth is center of universe. Knowing God & helping others know Him is all that really matters.
This whole chapter emphasizes God’s holy separateness – we must not only think of Him as near and dear to me. He is first holy and transcendent. This is why we need a mediator/intercessor (Christ and HS). At one time, a God of judgment, terror and holiness was common thought among Xns. Now we view God as God of love first, and we miss out on full biblical teaching about God.
3. Worship is not something we just do from time to time. It wraps up everything in our life – this is why we were created and sums up our eternal activity.
May God be worshipped in our lives, in all we do and are. How I long for the wonderful day when God calls me home to be with Him, worshipping Him with countless legions, in the throne room of Almighty God!
Pressing on by His grace, Eric