May 28, 2018
Revelation 4:1-8 New Living Translation
It is essential for us as God’s children that we learn to recognize his Voice; the Word of God speaks! In our passage today, we see it is the Spirit who calls the Apostle John to join in heavenly worship. John recognizes the Spirit’s Voice and receives a vision so we, as readers of the Word, can gain a glimpse of the throne room, the glory and holiness of the Lord, and the worship of God from every being present.
According to John this is the revelation of Christ. Christ says to those who read the Word of God, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it…” (Rev. 1:3). The Trinity is the Source of all truth, so we must press in to listen to the Voice of God and learn.
In the previous three chapters, the Word has spoken to the seven churches in Asia and continues to speak to the universal church today. To the Church at Ephesus the Word says, “Remember your first Love and Repent.” To the Church at Smyrna the Word says, “Don’t fear and remain faithful.” To the Church at Pergamum the Word says, “Repent and stop compromising with evil.” To the Church at Thyatira the Word says, “Repent of immorality.” To the Church at Sardis the Word says, “Wake up and repent of superficial faith.” To the Church at Philadelphia the Word says, “Hold on in spite of trials!” To the Church at Laodicea the Word says, “Repent and stop being lukewarm in your worship and mission.” To the universal church, the Lord desires that we learn from all of these examples, because true worship and loyalty in relationship to God is about loving and living in agreement with the Word.
Revelation 4:1-8 Worship in Heaven
4 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. 6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.
In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gentle reminders of what you desire and expect from your children. Help me to be led by your Spirit; may I listen and respond quickly when you speak. Thank you for the sacrifice others have made in serving this country, so I may worship you in Spirit and in truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.