AN AMAZING LOOK INTO HEAVEN (Read Chapter 4:1-11)

An Open Door: (vs. 1)

   In order to show John the future course of world history, the Lord gave him the experience of being in heaven while he was as yet still on the Isle of Patmos. (cf. Paul’s, 2 Corinthians 12:1-4, and Ezekiel’s experience, Ezekiel 1:1-3)

   We too, with eyes of faith wide open, are invited to see what John saw. (cf. Psalm 119:18)

What Did John See? (vs. 2-11)

   In this revelation John saw …

The Lord, seated on a throne: (vs. 2-3)

   Likening his appearance to that of the carnelian (ruby) and jasper gemstones is significant. These were the first and the last of the twelve stones attached to the chest piece of a High Priest’s clothing. The precious stones indicated that God’s people always remain close to his heart. (Exodus 28:15-21) Jesus Christ is the essence of all that is beautiful and good, of all that is of value. (vs. 3)

A glorious rainbow framing the scene: (vs. 3)

   The appearance of a rainbow is the sign that God keeps his promises. (Genesis 9:12-17) Compare this scene with what Ezekiel saw. (Ezekiel 1:26-28)

Twenty four elders: (vs. 4)

   Seated on twenty four thrones around the Lord, they represent the redeemed people from every age who will reign with the Lord in his kingdom. (See note on Revelation 2:27)

   White clothing symbolises the purity which now clothes the redeemed in heaven. All is clean there. Sin has been washed away for ever. (Revelation 1:5, Titus 3:4-7, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

   The crowns they wore were not the royal διαδημα, (diadēma) the diadem of kings, but the στεφανοs, (stephanos) the wreath given to an athlete on winning an event at the games. Paul looked forward to receiving a crown like this. (2 Timothy 4:5-8)

A spectacular scene: (vs. 5-8, cf. Ezekiel 1:4-25)

   In awe, John searches for words to describe what he sees and hears. It is almost beyond description.

   The dazzling glory of the Lord flashes like lightning. His voice of authority resounds across the heavens like rolling thunder. (vs. 5)

   The seven characteristics of the Holy Spirit shine with a brightness like that of seven brilliant lamps. (vs. 5, cf. Isaiah 11;2)

   The something like a sea may be symbolic of God’s holiness and majesty. (vs. 6) Who can cross such a sea in his presence? (cf. Revelation 7:14-15)

Four heavenly beings: (vs. 6-11)

   These are four of the senior angels that are known in the Scriptures as Cherubim and Seraphim. (vs. 6) Satan is a Cherub who rebelled against God. (Ezekiel 28:11-19)

   Like the occupants of earth they are created beings. They have special responsibilities in administration. (Genesis 3:24, Ezekiel 10:6-22, Psalm 99:1, Isaiah 6:1-8)

   Unlike the people of earth, they have 360 degree vision. Their appearance speaks to John of them having strength like that of a lion, the workmanlike qualities possessed by an ox, an understanding of the needs of humankind, and majestic freedom like that of an eagle. (vs. 7, cf. Ezekiel 1:5-14)

   Together they have responsibility for monitoring the activities of all of creation. We meet them on several occasions later in the book.

   They lead those in heaven in songs of praise to God. (vs. 8-11) The songs of heaven …

-   make much of the holiness of God (vs. 8)

-   remind us that the triune God has always been there, in the eternity prior to creation, in present time, and in the eternity to come (vs. 8)

-   express thankfulness for all that the Lord has done and is in himself (vs. 9)

-   promote joyful and spontaneous worship of the Lord (vs. 10)

-   acknowledge God as creator of all (vs. 11 And so it should be with the songs of God’s people on earth. (Psalm 40:3, 69:30, 96:1, 144:9, Ephesians 5:18-20, Colossians 3:16-17)

SOMETHING WAITING TO BE UNLEASHED (Read Chapter 5:1-14)

The information is locked away in …

A Sealed Book: (vs. 1)

   The Greek word is βιβλιον, (biblion) ‘a scroll’. It comes from βιβλοs, ‘the bark of a papyrus plant’.

   The book contains the story of what lies ahead for the world and its people. All is in the hands of the Lord. His age long plans and purposes will all come to pass.

A Search For Someone To Open The Book: (vs. 2-4)     

   There are seven seals needing to be broken one  at a time.

   At first, no one anywhere can be found who is worthy to reveal what is in the mind of the Lord. (Refer to Isaiah 55:8-9 for a reason) It needs to be someone of the same mind set as the Lord. Someone who shares fully in his purposes, someone as good as he.

Only One Has The Right Qualifications: (vs. 5-6)

   The Lord Jesus Christ stands there ready to open the book. He alone is worthy. He alone is deserving of the role.

   He is the appropriate one to reveal the contents of the book because …

-    he is the one who fits the descriptions of the Messiah given in the Scriptures, eg. the ‘Lion of Judah’ (vs. 5b, Genesis 49:9-10)

-    he is the promised heir to David’s throne, the one who will bring in the Kingdom of God (vs. 5b, 2 Samuel 7:11-16, Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 1:16-17, Revelation 22:16)

-    he has conquered the powers of sin and death by his substitutionary death on the cross (vs. 5, Isaiah 25:4-9, 1 Corinthians 15:51-57)

-    he has provided for the forgiveness of sins by his death on the cross as the sacrificial Lamb of God (vs. 6a, Jesus is referred to as the Lamb 28 more times in the book of Revelation, cf. John 1:29, 36, Acts 8:32, Isaiah 53:4-8, 1 Peter 1:18-19)

-    he is at one with the Holy Spirit and with God (vs. 6b, cf. Revelation 1:4, 3:1, John 10:30).

His Worthiness Is Widely Endorsed: (vs. 7-14)

   As Jesus steps forward to take the scroll a chorus of acclamation breaks out all over heaven and earth. He is acknowledged as the rightful one to open the book and release its contents. He is applauded as the voices of heaven and earth sing of his achievements.

   We echo their endorsement as we listen in awe …

-    those he has redeemed are from every people group on earth. (vs. 9-10)

-    power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and happiness belong to him. (vs. 12)

-    he is KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS, for ever. (vs. 13, cf. Revelation 19:16)

   God’s senior administrators unite with the representatives of all the redeemed to agree with the endorsement. (vs. 14)

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