Devotional: Revelation 4

Today’s passage: Revelation 4

Helpful thoughts:

• Now that the churches have received their commands to remain faithful, Christ begins to reveal what is to come (Chapters 4-22).
• In today’s chapter, John describes his view of the throne in heaven.
  • John’s description is similar to that of Isaiah and Ezekiel.
  • The appearance of Almighty God on the throne had no equal in this world with which to compare.  So, John describes a mixture (or accumulation) of the most precious stones.
• The number twenty-four (Or two sets of twelve) is sometimes compared with the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles.  The idea is that in heaven, all of God’s saints from the Old and New Covenants are represented in unity.
• These angelic beings exist to articulate and proclaim the holiness, eternality, glory, honor, power, creativity and sovereignty of God!  He is worthy of this worship forever.

Questions to consider:

1. If the heavens and the sky above declare God’s glory and His handiwork (Psalm 19:1-6), what must be the impression we will get when we see God’s creation in heaven?  What about when we see God Himself?
2. In what ways is God set apart from everything else that exists in all creation (Holiness)?  What makes Him so worthy of our praise, reverence, thanksgiving, obedience, and worship?
3. Is there any event or gathering of people today that compares with what we’ve read in this chapter?  Is there anyone who is worthy of this kind of eternal worship?  How do these truths about God then compel us to live?