October '26
Hope you are all getting heaps out of the series in Ecclesiastes. I’ve loved it so far! So many good reminders about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to life in this fallen world. Plenty to take on board and live in light of.
I’ll keep going with my Revelation content - why fix something that ain’t broke? We’ll briefly consider God as portrayed in John’s vision in chapter 4. John - in the Spirit - is called up into heaven and witnesses a scene. Read from verse 2 to 6.
The first thing John sees is a throne with someone seated on it. Notably, when John is called up to heaven to be shown future events, the first thing he sees is authority in heaven. Anyone who claims to grasp spiritual things should acknowledge that God rules over the earth and is sovereign over all events that have and will take place.
We also see a list of stones. Precious stones are used throughout Scripture to signify holiness, purity, majesty etc. These stones feature on the high priest's breastplate of judgment in Exodus 28. We see here a link to God’s right to exercise judgment, His holiness/set-apartness, and His majesty and authority.
The rainbow recalls God’s covenant after Noah’s flood, where He promised to never flood the world again (Genesis 9), reminding the reader that God is a covenant maker and keeper, and also recalls Ezekiel’s vision of God (Ezekiel 1:28).
What about the 24 elders? This number probably represents the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 Apostles. This is a picture of the fullness of God’s people, both Jew and Gentile, Old and New Covenant, all testifying to God’s glory, worshipping Him and declaring His praise.
We see also that these elders have received the white garments and crowns that Jesus promises to his conquering Church in the 7 letters. They are pure and holy, have eternal life, and rule alongside Jesus in heaven. This is a foretaste of our reward when we inherit eternal life.
Next we read of lightning and thunder, which recalls Old Testament appearances and descriptions of God (Exod 19:16, Job 28:26, Job 37, Psa 29) and is symbolic of God’s power, glory, and His rule over creation.
We also read about 7 torches representing the 7 spirits of God. This refers back to Revelation 1:4, 3:1, the 7 spirits before His throne. These are probably the 7 angels of the 7 churches (1:20), the 7 stars in Jesus’ right hand (1:16). How comforting to consider that in God’s immediate presence there are specific angels assigned to specific churches, with the number 7 showing that God has made perfect heavenly spiritual provision for the protection of His church, angels in His presence ready to do as He bids for us, whether as messengers or ministers (Luk 2:10, Mat 4:11, Heb 1:14).
Lastly, we read about a sea of glass like crystal. This heavenly sea stands in contrast to the symbolism of the sea in the Old Testament. Usually the sea is a force of chaos, a symbol of evil and disorder. Before God’s throne the sea is of glass and like crystal, symbolic of God’s perfect rule in heaven. There is no chaos, evil or disorder. Everything is in its God-ordained place and perfectly subject to its creator’s will.
Be encouraged and stand in awe with me. Our God is sovereign, holy, faithful, glorious and worthy of worship!
Grace and peace
Aidan