Worship in Heaven
March 24, 2021
Commentary
So far, the first two divisions of Revelation have been covered (cf. 1:19); the things which John saw (Chapter. 1) and the things which are during the church age (Chapters 2-3). Now we come to the largest section of the book which are the things yet future (Chapters 4-22). From Chapter 4 to the end of the book it deals with things which are yet future. This portion is divided into three principal sections: the tribulation period (6:1-19:21); the millennium 20:1-15); and the eternal state (21:1-22:21).
John is commanded to come up to heaven, so that he may see and understand the things that are to happen on earth (v. 1). We are now given sort of a travel-log of the things John saw in this vision. First, he saw the throne (v. 2). The one sitting on the throne is identified as God (v. 8) and he is described in terms of two precious stones (v. 3). Jasper is one of various brilliant colors and sardine is a red color. Around the throne was a rainbow of Emerald (green in color) which is a vivid reminder of the faithfulness of God. From the throne came lightening, thundering, and voices. It seems that judgment is pending, about ready to break (v.5). Before the throne were seven lamps of fire and a sea of glasslike crystal that is reminiscent of the laver in the temple and a place of cleansing.
The persons around the throne are described as twenty-four elders (v.4). Most writers understand these to be twenty-four redeemed human beings who represent all the redeemed. They are seated on thrones and clothed in white. Then there are “four beasts” who are each different in appearance and praising God day and night (vv. 6-9). The elders who have been seated on their thrones rise and bow themselves before God, casting their crowns before Him and praising Him (vv. 10-11).
Application
John was given a special invitation. What invitation has Jesus given to me? How have I responded?
Revelation 4:1– 11 (NET)
1 After these things I looked, and there was a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said: “Come up here so that I can show you what must happen after these things.” 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit, and a throne was standing in heaven with someone seated on it! 3 And the one seated on it was like jasper and carnelian in appearance, and a rainbow looking like it was made of emerald encircled the throne. 4 In a circle around the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on those thrones were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white clothing and had golden crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came out flashes of lightning and roaring and crashes of thunder. Seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God, were burning in front of the throne 6 and in front of the throne was something like a sea of glass, like crystal.
7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second creature like an ox, the third creature had a face like a man’s, and the fourth creature looked like an eagle flying. 8 Each one of the four living creatures had six wings and was full of eyes all around and inside. They never rest day or night, saying: “Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God, the All-Powerful, Who was and who is, and who is still to come!”
9 And whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders throw themselves to the ground before the one who sits on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever, and they offer their crowns before his throne, saying:
11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, since you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created!”