We are living in a rapidly changing world. Events are drawing us closer to a one-world government, a one-world religion, and a one-world trade system. These significant developments affect all of humanity, regardless of country or culture. Politically, religiously, and commercially, global groups are striving for unity, believing it is essential for achieving peace in the world.
Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.” In light of these coming events, we are not to be discouraged or afraid, for there is a higher power far greater than all earthly powers.
Paul also exhorts in Colossians 3:1-2: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Consider for a moment what is above.
The Throne Set in Heaven
“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, ‘Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.’ Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne” (Rev. 4:1-2).
After the Apostle John’s vision of the glorified, ascended Christ in chapter one, the next two chapters of Revelation focus on the Church as a lampstand, bearing light in a very dark world. In chapter four, a door is opened in heaven to welcome us in. The Church age will conclude with the Lord coming for His redeemed—what an incredible moment that will be! As Paul explains in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.”
Being in the Spirit is exhilarating. The Lord told His disciples that the Spirit would be in them and would abide with them forever (John 14:16–17). It is through the Holy Spirit that the things of Christ are revealed to us, and throughout eternity, He will continue to unveil the supreme glories of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Person Who Sits Upon the Throne
The throne set in heaven remains unaffected by anything taking place on earth, for the One seated upon it is Himself eternal. His beauty is described as being like jasper and sardius stones in appearance. These same precious stones appeared on the breastplate of the high priest in Old Testament times, though in reverse order (Ex. 28:17-20). A rainbow encircled the throne, shining like an emerald (4:3). God is a God of rich colors! The rainbow signifies that judgment is past, and for the believer, there will never again be a need for judgment.
The People Who Surround the Throne
Surrounding the throne were twenty-four elders, each seated on separate thrones, clothed in white robes and wearing golden crowns (4:4). There are various interpretations regarding their identity, but I believe they represent the Church. In 1 Chronicles 24, twenty-four leaders from the priestly line of Aaron were selected to represent the priesthood serving the people of Israel. Similarly, in 1 Peter 2, believers are called a holy and royal priesthood; Revelation 1:6 tells us “He has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Collectively, the Church is a priesthood, and we will all be part of the royal priestly company represented by the twenty-four elders.
Alongside the elders stand four living creatures from the heavenly realm. These beings have six wings, covered with eyes both front and back; one resembles a lion, another a calf, the third has a face like a man, and the fourth is like a flying eagle. Their primary role is to give glory, honor, and thanks to Him who sits on the throne (4:6-8). The twenty-four elders join them, falling down in worship before the One who lives forever and ever (4:9-11). This breathtaking scene of ultimate worship is directed to Him who created all things—what an extraordinary outburst!
The Problem at the Throne
Now, in the midst of this glorious scene, a problem arises: Who is worthy to open the book and break its seven seals (5:2)? This brings immense sadness to John, who weeps over the situation (5:3-4). But then one of the elders says, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals” (5:5).
When John looked, he did not see a Lion; instead, he saw a Lamb as though it had been slain (5:6). Only Jesus, the Lamb of God, through His sacrifice at Calvary, was found worthy to open the book (5:7-8). There are so many wonderful truths here that cannot all be addressed at this moment. This Lamb is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent—for He is the Son of God.
The Praise and Worship at the Throne
This marvelous outcome, witnessed by John in his vision, led to the singing of a brand-new song. Earlier, praise was directed to the Lord as Creator (4:11); now it is directed to the Lord as Redeemer (5:9). We have been redeemed to God by His blood from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. In chapter 6, we see that He will soon act to fulfill what was written in the scroll, for though He was slain, He is alive!
I am always moved when I see athletes standing on the world stage, receiving their gold medals as national anthems play in honor of their achievements. But dear redeemed reader, it will be far greater to join this heavenly chorus, singing the glorious new song—not because of what you have accomplished, but because of what our wonderful Savior accomplished for you through His blood on the cross. How astounding that every nationality will be represented, giving praise and honor to Him who did it all!
He has made us kings and priests to our God, and we shall reign upon the earth. What that will entail is beyond our greatest imagination — we must wait until that day to find out. Yet we can be assured that it will far surpass anything we could ever conceive. Keep looking up, for the best is yet to come (5:10).
Joining this redeemed company will be the voices of angels, together with the elders and the living creatures — a number described as ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands. What a heavenly choir that will be (5:11).
The theme of their song is: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (5:12) Every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea — all that is in them — will say, “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (5:13) All praise and honor return to Him who alone is worthy. This leads the four living creatures to declare, “Amen!” and the twenty-four elders to fall down and worship Him who lives forever and ever (5:14). Surely we can say, “Amen and amen!” May these glorious truths uplift your spirit today.