Journey Through The Bible
  Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 17-19
  New Testament Reading: Revelation 4

Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one seated on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before the one seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne and say, “Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created (Revelation 4:9-11).

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle John witnessed visions of glory in heaven. The end of chapter three signifies the end of the church age. But before God pours out His wrath, He gives us a glimpse into the throne room of heaven to hear the worshiping creatures as they praise God.

In this brief chapter of just eleven verses, John uses the word ‘throne’ fourteen times. In fact, it is the key word of the entire book appearing forty-six times. Seated on the throne is the Almighty God. This is God the Father, the author of creation. God the Son approaches the throne in chapter 5, and God the Spirit is pictured before the throne, here in verse 5. There is no possible way to describe what God is like in human words. John can only use comparisons to precious stones.

Surrounding the throne was a rainbow in a complete circle, not merely an arc, signifying that in heaven all things are complete. The four living creatures most likely symbolize all the creatures of God’s creation and are related to His covenant with Noah (Gen. 9:8-17). The twenty-four elders probably represent the people of God in heaven. There were twelve tribes of Israel and twelve apostles, perhaps the number twenty-four symbolizes the completion of God’s people.

John was close to Jesus during His earthly ministry. He even saw a glimpse of Jesus’ glory at the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt 7: 1-13). Yet it is not until near the end of his life during this vision that we read of John’s awe. We read how he strained to fit the splendor of heaven into mere words. John gazed upon the full glory of God seated on His throne, and along with the twenty-four elders and living creatures, were all compelled to bow down and worship. Heaven is a place of worship and God’s people shall worship Him throughout eternity.

The Apostle Paul said that every knee will bow - in heaven and on earth and under the earth - and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:10-11). Whether we believe or don’t believe, when we see God in all His glory sitting on His throne, we will not be able to deny or ignore His ultimate authority. We will know our ultimate place as created beings beholding the Creator.

The focus of this chapter is on God the Creator and the emphasis on praise is significant when you remember John wrote this book to encourage people who were going through suffering and persecution. No matter what happens in this world, we can be assured that God is on His throne and in complete control. God created all things and all things He created are subject to Him, therefore He deserves our Honor and Praise.