I trust you have taken time
to carefully consider the information in the previous post. This post will continue to build on those
thoughts.
As we continue
reading in this chapter, we will find that the scene is one of innumerable
angels surrounding the throne. The most
significant fact that emerges is that Jesus hasn’t even entered the picture
yet. That would not be the case if John
represented the raptured body of believers.
John 14:2–3 “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would
have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place
for you, I will come again, and receive
you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Next John
describes more of what he sees that bring to mind events at Mount Sinai when
God met with Moses on the mountain.
Revelation 4:5 “And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and
thunderings and voices: and
there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven
Spirits of God.”
Exodus 20:18–19 “And all the people saw the thunderings, and the
lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when
the people saw
it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with
us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”
It seems that the
floor in front of throne was clear and transparent. Surrounding the throne are four creatures
“full of eyes.”
Revelation 4:6–8 “And before the throne there was a sea of glass
like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne,
were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a
lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a
man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.the four beasts had each of
them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not
day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is,
and is to come.”
John compares the
first creature to a lion, the second to a calf, the third to a man, and the fourth
to a flying eagle. Each of the creatures
had six wings, and again John describes them as full of eyes. This is very similar to Ezekiel’s description
of the cherubim.
Ezekiel 1:10 “As
for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face
of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left
side; they four also had the face of an eagle.”
Ezekiel 10:12 “And their whole body, and their backs, and their
hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four
had.”
It seems that the
whole purpose of these creatures is to honor and worship the LORD GOD
ALMIGHTY. Isn’t
it interesting that the phrase is “holy, holy, holy” in reference to a triune
God?
Revelation 4:9–11 “And
when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the
throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down
before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and
ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord,
to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and
for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
It would also seem
that the function of the 24 elders is directly connected to the four
creatures. Their worship focuses on the
truth that God is The Creator of all things (other than Himself is implied).
Why does/did He
create? For His own pleasure (choice, desire, will). Isaiah also
supports this truth:
Isaiah 43:7 “Even every one
that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed
him; yea, I have made him.”
This verse in
Revelation emphasizes that all things were created for His good
pleasure. In Isaiah the emphasis is on the fact that those called by
His name are created for His glory. Is there a difference in glory
and pleasure? In looking at the definitions from the original
languages and Webster, I think there is a distinct difference. All things
were created according to the pleasure/choice/will/desire of God, but not all
things give Him glory. Those who are called by His name have been created
with the express purpose of glorifying/honoring God; we are to reflect Him in
our lives—by how we act, speak, and think.
This poses an important point of reflection for each
believer—How much do I glorify God?
(to be continued…)
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