Sunday, March 8, 2009

Revelation 4

Mike here...

Revelation 4 is a short chapter and makes the transition from the letters to the churches to a scene in heaven. A very descriptive John explains a setting that must have been difficult to put into words. While this scene depicts some very un- earthly creatures I'm impressed by the worship that we see, both out of the 4 creatures and the 24 elders.

Revelation 4:8-11

8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."

My takeaway from this chapter is more of a global observation regarding the underlying purpose of the events of Revelation. In our human nature I believe we look at prophecy and often ask why or attempt to get to the purpose of certain events or happenings. I have concluded that the events of the end times are all to glorify God.

So, here in this scene in heaven we see Christ being worshiped. My application is a simple one to say but very challenging to implement. As the events of this world unfold around us our duty is to worship Christ in Spirit and Truth. To join in the heavenly chorus exalting our Lord and Savior. Even in the face of financial uncertainty, relational struggles, and natural disaster the scriptures make it clear. We were created to glorify God every day.

As this scene in Heaven shows us, it is our eternal destiny.

Your brother in Christ!

3 comments:

the70thweek said...

Mike here again....

As my friends and I were studying Rev 4, one of them had the following information in the study guide for this passage. I found it very interesting. I'm not sure it can be proven but after checking the cross reference it certainly seemed to fit.

"The 'four living creatures' represent the attributes (the qualities and character) of God. These creatures were not real animals. Like the cherubim (the highest order of the angels), they guard God's throne, lead others in worship, and proclaim God's holiness. God's attributes symbolized in the animal-like appearance of these four creatures are majesty and power (the lion), faithfulness (the ox), intelligence (the man), and sovereignty (the eagle). The Old Testament prophet Ezekiel saw four similar creatures in one of his visions (Ezekiel 1:5-10)."

So, much of the symbolism in Revelation is hard to directly interpret but I give a huge dose of grace to John. How hard would it be to explain things you nor your readers have ever seen?

Regardless of why the 4 animals are in the throne room I certainly give glory to God for his wonderful and perfect character.

Be Alert!

Mike

Anonymous said...

http://www.amazon.com/Profiles-Leader-Judson-Cornwall/dp/0882705032/ref=pd_sim_b_6

Try this interesting book on the subject of the four beasts.

Anonymous said...

No one said it would be easy to live in this world. Jesus said in John 16:33...in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: BUT be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. I agree, daily worship is essential,to glorify God for who He is and be directly connected.