April 22 – The Lord God Almighty

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Sunday School Lesson

April 22

The Lord God Almighty

 

Devotional Reading: Revelation 19:1-8

 

Background Scripture: Revelation 4

 

Revelation 4:1-6, 8-11

 

1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

 

2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

 

3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

 

4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

 

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.

 

6 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.

 

8 And 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.

 

9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

 

10 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,

 

11 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.

 

Key Verse

 

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.—Revelation 4:11

 

Lesson Aims

 

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

 

1. Describe the content of John’s vision in Revelation 4.

 

2. Explain the worship reality behind the text’s symbols.

 

3. Specify one way to enhance his or her own approach to worship.

 

Introduction

 

1. Thrones

 

The Royal Throne of Nepal is behind glass in the palace in Katmandu, for the palace is now a museum. The royal family of Nepal was massacred in 2001 and replaced by a constitutional government. The throne remains a symbol of the monarchy’s once-revered status. Some see a risk in its preservation, for any restoration-of-monarchy movement in Nepal would likely want to use this throne for seating a new king. Thus it may be considered both a national treasure and a threat to democracy at the same time.

 

Today’s lesson pictures Heaven in terms of a royal throne room. The one seated on the throne is the king of Heaven and earth. The ones allowed access into the throne room have a certain derivative honor based on their proximity. John’s vision of this scene is overwhelming for him—almost indescribable. Yet he does his best to explain what he sees, and we are thereby rewarded when we consider his words.

 

1. Lesson Background

 

Many theories exist as to how Revelation should be interpreted. Some believe it is prophetic of future events, primarily those of the end times. Others think it presents a panorama of church history. Some believe Revelation is symbolically speaking of people and events from the first century, mainly those linked with the Roman Empire. Still others think that Revelation is entirely symbolic, a story that portrays the timeless struggle of good versus evil.

 

Whatever one’s view, there are some important details about Revelation that should be kept in mind while studying the book. One concerns the historical setting of the book. The apostle John was exiled on the barren island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea because of his unwavering loyalty to Jesus (Revelation 1:9). Patmos was situated about 50 miles southwest of Ephesus, off the coast of modern Turkey. Ephesus was likely the city from which John was exiled. The church at Ephesus is the first of the seven churches addressed by Jesus in Revelation 1:11; 2:1-3:22.

 

The most probable time of writing is AD 90-96. It is remarkable that this elderly man was seen as such a threat to the Roman Empire that he would be banished in his 80s or 90s! He must have been a tireless and effective preacher.

 

In addition, we should remember that the book of Revelation is narrative, a story told by a narrator. This does not mean it is a fictional story. Much factual history is written in narrative style. John tells what he experiences: marvelous divine visions given to him in exile by Christ. The best way to read Revelation, then, is as a story with various scenes in which the content is connected. The primary overall message of the book is that despite how intense the opposition to God’s people may be, in the end they triumph and evil is vanquished for eternity.

 

As today’s lesson begins, John has already described himself “in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10). He then experienced a marvelous vision of “one like unto the Son of man” (1:12-16) just before receiving Jesus’ messages to the seven churches in chapters 2 and 3. Chapter 4 opens up a new dimension of John’s experiences.

 

1. Vision of Heaven

 

                                                               (Revelation 4:1, 2)

 

1. Open Door (v. 1)

 

1. After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

 

The Scriptures describe heaven as a place located above the earth, behind a covering described as the “firmament” (Genesis 1:7, 17; Ezekiel 1:26). This covering blocks any direct view of Heaven, so access requires Heaven to be opened (as in Luke 3:21). In John’s vision, he is looking up into the sky; and he sees what appears to be an open door, an entry into Heaven itself.

 

How to Say It

 

AegeanIh-jee-un.

 

ChebarKee-bar.

 

EphesusEf-uh-sus.

 

EzekielEe-zeek-ee-ul or Ee-zeek-yul.

 

ex nihilo (Latin)eks nee-huh-low.

 

omnipotenceahm-ni-puh-tents.

 

omniscienceahm-ni-shuntz.

 

PatmosPat-muss.

 

This glimpse is marvelous all by itself, but John’s account does not end there. John hears a trumpet-like voice inviting him to come up. This is identified as the first voice, therefore that of the risen Christ who previously spoke in a trumpet-like voice and then gave John the messages for the seven churches of Asia (Revelation 1:10, 11). The voice beckons John to join the speaker in Heaven. The speaker promises to reveal more things to the apostle, events that have yet to happen.

 

1. Majestic Throne (v. 2)

 

2. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

 

In the Spirit as in Revelation 1:10, John’s vision places him in heaven itself, and the first thing he sees is a throne. This probably means he is in a large room, for this would be the normal location for a throne.

 

Most people today don’t think of thrones as possessing much significance. They are in museums, appearing to be little more than ornate and impractical chairs, inferior to our comfortable recliners. But in Bible times, thrones were more than expensive chairs for kings. Palaces had elaborate throne rooms that served as audience halls. The king would enter with pomp and ceremony (compare Acts 25:23). The throne was the king’s seat of authority, recognized as such by all.

 

The phrase “the throne” could serve as a metaphor for the one who was authorized to sit on it (Genesis 41:40). Judgments issued from the throne were absolute. The throne was synonymous with royal power, and such is the case here.

 

The throne John sees is occupied. This indicates that the royal court of Heaven is in session; and the King has taken His seat. Something dramatic is about to happen, and we can imagine the anticipation John feels at his opportunity to witness it.

 

What Do You Think?

 

What further steps can we take to conduct ourselves in light of the fact that God is King?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

Regarding ways that others can see

 

Regarding ways that others cannot see

 

1. Arrangement of Heaven

 

                                                            (Revelation 4:3-6a)

 

1. On the Throne (v. 3)

 

3a. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone.

 

We are to understand that the one on the throne is God, the King of Heaven. John can offer only comparisons to describe the scene before him. Jasper is a red stone that can be polished highly and is prized for its beauty. A sardine stone is also red in appearance. The imagery John uses to capture the radiance of God is that of precious jewels in all their brilliance.

 

3b. And there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

 

As is characteristic of the visions of John, he sees something familiar and different at the same time, something both known and gloriously unknown. The rainbow round about the throne is not the familiar multicolored kind. Rather, it reminds John of an emerald in having a brilliant shade of green. This is like no throne John has ever seen!

 

The Crown Jewels

 

The famed Tower of London protects the crown jewels, the national treasures of the United Kingdom monarchy. The centuries-old collection features the Queen Mother’s Crown, glistening with 2,800 diamonds. The dazzling display in the Jewel House is adorned with an impressive array of emeralds, rubies, and sapphires for the royal regalia, still in use today by Her Majesty for notable national ceremonies.

 

Assuredly these crown jewels rank as one of the world’s most spectacular displays of beauty and brilliance. Yet, as John implies, the majesty of the King of kings far outshines any gemstone ever seen. The glorious luster emanating from God and around His throne amazed John. No natural or man-made jewel will ever measure up to the stunning wonder of God and our eternal home.

 

While we may never see a resplendent storehouse of royal jewels this side of eternity, God reminds us that we are to focus our hearts on the “treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-21). The true sovereign of all creation commands the attention and adoration of every living being. Jesus Christ is the crown jewel of our relationship with God. If we are able now to “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (1 Chronicles 16:29), think how magnificent worship in heaven will be!

 

—B. J. L.

 

1. Around the Throne (v. 4)

 

4. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

 

Twenty-four occupied seats now catch John’s attention. In the Greek text, the word used for these chairs is the same word used for the throne of God. Since other Greek words for “places to sit” are available for John to use (see Matthew 21:12; 23:2), this can indicate that the occupants have a degree of royalty of their own. They surround the main throne, but are clearly lower in status and less glorious.

 

Although those who occupy the 24 thrones are wearing golden crowns, they are not called kings or princes. Instead, they are elders, a term used for leaders in the church or synagogue. The fact that they are religious rulers rather than political authorities is indicated by their white raiment, a sign of faith more than royalty. White robes identify the saved of the church in Heaven (Revelation 6:11; 7:13, 14).

 

The unexplained number 24 has been the subject of much debate. The book of Revelation often uses numbers in a symbolic way, letting them stand for certain people or objects. Generally speaking, the number 12 represents the people of God. This includes the 12 tribes of 12,000 each (Revelation 7:5-8) and the various references to 12 found in the description of the New Jerusalem (21:12, 14, 16, 21; 22:2).

 

The number 24, being double the number 12, may represent the people of God from both the Old and New Testaments. Israel, the covenant people of the Old Testament, was comprised of 12 tribes (Exodus 24:4; compare Revelation 21:12). The covenant people of the New Testament, Christians, are linked with the 12 apostles (Luke 6:13; compare Revelation 21:14), who comprise the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20). Jesus himself combines the idea of 12 tribes with 12 apostles in His description of the future (Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30).

 

The 24 elders are not named nor is their function explained. But they do have an unforgettable role a few verses later.

 

What Do You Think?

 

When a church comes to view itself as people of the King, how should its members conduct themselves, individually and collectively?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

In worship

 

In ministry priorities

 

In ministry leadership

 

Other

 

1. From the Throne (v. 5)

 

5a. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices.

 

The lightnings and thunderings John experiences find something of a parallel in the occasion when God descended upon Mount Sinai before the Israelites (Exodus 19:16-19). These details add to the splendor of the throne and the one seated upon it.

 

5b. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

 

A more orderly type of lighting is positioned in the area before the throne. Seven is another important number in Revelation, signifying completeness or perfection. For example, the seven churches of Revelation indicate congregations known to John, but also symbolize the entirety of the church on earth.

 

John helps us with the symbolism here. The reference to seven Spirits does not require us to understand divisions or multiplicity in the Holy Spirit, but gives the sense of perfection and wholeness (as in Revelation 1:4). We see evidence and activity of the Holy Spirit on the earth among the people of the church, but in Heaven is the fullness of the Holy Spirit found.

 

What Do You Think?

 

What steps can we take to identify and eliminate things that work against the activity of the Holy Spirit in the here and now?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

In terms of sin against the Spirit (Matthew 12:31, 32)

 

In terms of resistance to the Spirit (Acts 7:51)

 

In terms of what grieves the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)

 

In terms of what quenches the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

 

1. Before the Throne (v. 6a)

 

6a. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal.

 

John’s eyes move beyond the seven lamps to what looks like a large body of water. To most readers, this suggests an outdoor venue, but more likely it simply reflects the immensity and grandeur of the heavenly throne room.

 

The sea’s characteristic glass like unto crystal can be subdivided into two parts: the glass aspect and the crystal aspect. Glass is a common material today, but is a luxury item in John’s world. Yet the description sea of glass is not intended to emphasize the abundance of a costly thing. The emphasis, rather, is on the smooth calmness of the sea. The sea’s being like unto crystal, for its part, emphasizes purity and transparency (Ezekiel 1:22; compare Revelation 15:2; 21:18).

 

III. Action in Heaven

 

                                                               (Revelation 4:6b, 8-11)

 

1. Beasts Worship (vv. 6b, 8, 9)

 

6b. And in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

 

John’s attention returns to the throne, and he describes four creatures nearby. Beasts is a generic description that implies that while they may have human or angelic characteristics, they are not quite humans or angels. This sight is reminiscent of the four creatures seen by Ezekiel in his vision by the River Chebar (Ezekiel 1:3, 5; 10:15).

 

The number 4 is significant. In Revelation, it is the symbolic number of the entirety of the earth and its inhabitants (compare Revelation 7:1). Combining the creatures’ multitudes of eyes with the number 4 indicates that these beasts are watching the entire earth; nothing is hidden from them. They symbolize the all-knowing nature of the Lord, or His omniscience.

 

What Do You Think?

 

How would we live differently were we to accept fully the fact of God’s omniscience? How do we get there?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

Regarding observable behavior

 

Regarding thought processes

 

Regarding relationships

 

Other

 

8a. And 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.

 

Like the six-winged creatures of Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6:2), the beasts here declare God’s holiness. But it is not enough to say God is holy; He is holy, holy, holy (6:3)—absolutely pure. We cannot emphasize God’s holiness too much; there is always more to this than we can imagine.

 

The title Almighty emphasizes God’s omnipotence; He is all-powerful. The Greek behind this title occurs 10 times in the New Testament, nine of which are in Revelation. References to God’s all-powerful nature are even more frequent in the Old Testament, with different words in the original language translated “Lord God of hosts” (2 Samuel 5:10), “God Almighty” (Exodus 6:3), or variations thereof. The Hebrew inscription around the picture of the cross on page 289 is from Isaiah 6:3: “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts.”

 

8b. Which was, and is, and is to come.

 

God is eternal—there is no beginning or end either to His omniscience, His holiness, His omnipotence, or He himself (compare Revelation 1:4, 8).

 

9. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever.

 

The fact that the beasts lead in worship indicates they are intelligent, speaking beings. Worship for them consists of the praise words of glory and honour and thanks, all directed to the one seated on the throne. Accompanying these words of worship is another expression of the Lord’s eternal nature: He lives for ever and ever.

 

1. Elders Worship (vv. 10, 11)

 

10. 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.

 

The action returns to the 24 elders, who now rise from their thrones and fall down in the classic posture of worship. This is the first of several times these elders will do so (Revelation 5:8, 14; 7:11; 11:16; 19:4).

 

The elders engage in an additional act of reverence as they cast their crowns at the foot of the throne. This is one of the most unforgettable scenes in the Bible and should challenge us to cast ourselves in service before the Lord. It also emphasizes a central teaching of Revelation, that worship is for God alone and not for any other being or entity (Revelation 22:8, 9).

 

What Do You Think?

 

On a scale from 1 (most important) to 4, how would you rank-order the talking points below for enabling you to cast yourself in service before God? Why?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

Considering the examples others have set

 

Considering how you have benefited from the service of others

 

Considering how others may benefit from your service

 

Considering passion in worship

 

11a. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power.

 

The words of the elders offer a concise lesson on the nature of worship. Worship means “to ascribe worthiness.” The elders acknowledge God’s worthiness by saying that He alone should receive humanity’s expressions of glory and honour and power. The reason for this comes next.

 

11b. For thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

 

The elders offer a rationale for this expression of worship: the identity of God as the Creator of all things. We rightly praise God as our Redeemer, but we should not forget that before He was Redeemer, He was the Creator. The contenders for power, whether the Roman emperors of John’s day or the dreadful beasts who come later in Revelation, have no power to create ex nihilo (“from nothing”) as God does. When we begin to grasp the omniscience, the holiness, the eternality, and the omnipotence of the Lord, worship is the only reasonable response.

 

Worthy of All Praise

 

California’s Silicon Valley is the mecca of the world’s technology giants. It’s where science fiction meets science fact. The result is the next generation of mind-stretching innovations. Start-ups press to be the investment of venture capitalists, while the established powerhouses jockey to stay ahead of the wannabes.

 

Yet Silicon Valley’s stellar lineup does not hold a solar-powered candle to Heaven and the everlasting Creator, who is worthy of all glory, honor, and power. As much as we honor inventors and innovators, the Lord God Almighty is the impetus behind human creativity.

 

As we marvel at human discoveries and inventions, we must keep a clear view of the originator of everything. Scripture tells us that our Creator designed the seas, land, birds, animals, and humans for His pleasure and His glory (Colossians 1:16). God’s imagination and ingenuity far surpass any blueprint by human engineers and developers. To our “holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 4:8) be the highest recognition, respect, and reverence.

 

—B. J. L.

 

Conclusion

 

1. Qualities of God

 

The Bible consistently teaches qualities of God that highlight the immeasurable distance between Him and human beings. God is all-knowing (omniscient), for nothing is hidden from Him (Jeremiah 23:24). God is eternal, living and reigning forever (Psalm 146:10). God is holy, unstained by any unrighteousness or blemish of sin (Habakkuk 1:13). God is the Almighty (omnipotent), the all-powerful one, far above any human authority or spiritual power (1 Timothy 6:15, 16).

 

Revelation has much to teach us about worship and about the nature of God. In our desire to understand the prophetic message of the book, we sometimes miss these additional insights. The more we know about God, the more we are compelled to worship Him and the more genuine our worship becomes. Let us worship God in His holiness, His power, His eternality, and His knowledge. Let us worship the Lord God Almighty.

 

1. Prayer

 

Lord God Almighty, Heaven and earth are full of Your glory. May You reign forever in all creation and in our hearts. In the name of Jesus, by whom all things are created, we pray. Amen.

 

1. Thought to Remember

 

Almighty God alone is worthy of worship.

 

 

KID’S CORNER

What the Seraphs Know

April 22, 2018

Revelation 4:1-11

 

 

Revelation 4:1-11

(Revelation 4:1) After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.”

 

After John wrote and sent the seven letters to the seven churches, he was called up into heaven and given a vision of the throne room and council chamber of God. There are times when the sons of God present themselves to the LORD (see Job 1:6 & 2:1). A voice from heaven called him to come up to see the future. The Apostle Paul humbly wrote of his own experience, “I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven — whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows” (2 Corinthians 12:2-3).

 

[Different Bible translations and commentators interpret this verse differently. In the King James Version, we read: “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” In my opinion, the KJV and  Matthew Henry’s Commentary give a fine interpretation with a spiritual application of this problematic verse: “We have here an account of a second vision with which the apostle John was favoured: After this, that is, not only ‘after I had seen the vision of Christ walking in the midst of the golden candlesticks,’ but ‘after I had taken his messages from his mouth, and written and sent them to the several churches, according to his command, after this I had another vision.’ Those who well improve the discoveries they have had of God already are prepared thereby for more, and may expect them.]

 

(Revelation 4:2) Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne.

 

Immediately after the voice spoke to John and gave him a command, he also came immediately under divine influence and power and was enabled to obey the command. He saw the throne of the LORD and someone sitting upon the throne, but John did not see an image that he could describe or write about because some might try to duplicate that image and make an idol or material representation of the LORD. The writer to the Hebrews revealed that Jesus also sits on that throne at the right hand of God the Father: “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). The Greek text does not capitalize “spirit,” so translations will vary between “spirit” and “Spirit.” In my opinion, he entered heaven with mind, spirit, and Spirit. The Spirit indwells Christians and will later be described as 7 blazing lamps representing the 7 spirits of God, the Holy Spirit.

 

(Revelation 4:3) And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance.

 

Jasper can come in many colors and may be many colored; it is opaque, and it is often used as a gemstone. The ruby is a red clear gemstone similar to a diamond. Our human vocabulary is too limited to describe the beauties and wonders of heaven, so John did the best he could describing what he saw as inspired by the Holy Spirit. The rainbow can symbolize peace as well as the color green that can symbolize life. God is the Creator of all, the author of life, and when He put his rainbow in the sky after the Great Flood, He promised not to destroy the earth by water again. The rainbow encircled the throne: God is a God of complete love and peace, and from His throne He makes laws for the nations, enforces His laws with wisdom and justice, and in love extends mercy. John saw a throne and a throne room that comforted him in the presence of the LORD rather than fill him with fear.

 

(Revelation 4:4) Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads.

 

Those on the twenty-four thrones were representatives of the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve disciples. Jesus promised His disciples: “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28). Those seated on these thrones were honored to sit in the presence of the LORD — God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. They were dressed in white because they had washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. By the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ they had been forgiven their sins and made righteous in Him. Their crowns of gold represent the fact that under God they reign with Christ; if we endure, we will also reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:121).

 

(Revelation 4:5) Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God;

 

When the LORD descended on the mountain to give Moses the Law of God, in Exodus 19:16 we read, “On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled.” As the Creator and Ruler over all, the LORD gave Moses the Law from His throne. John described a similar scene from God’s throne in heaven, but God’s grace had come through Jesus Christ to John, so he did not tremble in fear: “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). John wrote that the seven blazing lamps before the throne are the seven spirits of God. Since seven is a perfect number in Scripture, he described the Holy Spirit, Who lives within Christians and has no form visible for us to see, as blazing lamps, as seven spirits of God. Among other things that the Holy Spirit does as He indwells Christians is to pray in our behalf: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (Romans 8:26).

 

(Revelation 4:6) and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind.

 

In Exodus 30:18, Moses followed the pattern the LORD gave him and made a bronze basin to be used for worship at the tabernacle: “Make a bronze basin, with its bronze stand, for washing. Place it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it.” King Solomon made a bronze “sea” that stood in front of the temple where the priests could wash and purify themselves for the LORD’s service (1 Chronicles 18:8). What looked like a sea of glass in heaven might indicate that nothing unholy could come near to God. The four creatures remind us of some of the heavenly beings described in the Old Testament, and we would expect some continuity between John’s vision and some previous heavenly visions (See Ezekiel 1:4-21). The four living creatures around the throne were not there to protect God, but to be ever looking over all creation while also looking upon God to praise Him for His glory. They do not have the limitations of creatures on earth with limited vision. Their knowledge would far surpass any earthly creature because their vision is greater. Perhaps they see eternity future (in front) and eternity past (behind), and with the powers of reason offer their praises to God on the throne. Their purpose may also have been to make intercession for all God’s creatures. In a similar way, Jesus makes intercession for all His followers: “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

 

(Revelation 4:7) The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle.

 

These four creatures might in some way represent the wild animals, the domestic animals, humans, and the birds in God’s creation. Perhaps each one looks over or cares for his own species. Much later, the Church used these four faces to represent the four gospel writers: the Lion=Mathew — the Ox = Mark — the Human = Luke — the Eagle = John.  Among other opinions, the four creatures might represent courage, strength, reason, and speed. Humans admire all of these qualities that God has given His creatures.

 

(Revelation 4:8) And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.”

 

In his vision, Isaiah described what he saw when he saw the Lord high and exalted on His throne: “Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying” (Isaiah 6:2). John added the detail of the eyes which never stop seeing the wonders and the activity and the Persons of the LORD displayed in heaven and on earth; therefore, they praise the LORD continually. God the Father is Holy, the Lord Jesus Christ is Holy, and the Spirit of God is Holy. The One God in Three Persons is Almighty. God is eternal, reigning over the past, the present, and the future. Having eyes on the inside enable self-examination or self-judgment to know if one is loving the Lord God with all of one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength, to properly honor God with the totality of one’s being. Having eyes on the outside and all around enables the creatures to see all of God’s acts in all of history and throughout all of creation. We can join in grateful and joyful song with the four living creatures as they proclaim: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!”

 

(Revelation 4:9) And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever,

 

The four living creatures never stop praising God and all God’s creation continually praise the LORD (see Psalm 148). To give God glory with heart and mind is to remember and declare the truth about God continually with thanksgiving to God and to lead others to praise God too. These four creatures continually declare the truth about God’s character and His other attributes.  To honor God means to bow before Him and praise Him as the Lord and King over all, for God is worthy to receive our absolute loyalty and immediate obedience as the living creatures demonstrate. God will always take only right and holy actions. Even when Satan rebelled, and Adam and Eve were tempted and sinned, these creatures saw that God responded in a way that was glorious, honorable, and worthy of thanksgiving. All of God’s creatures have good and sufficient reasons to trust God in all things forever. God loves us and is worthy of our love, respect, and reverence as demonstrated by these four living creatures. Following the example of the living creatures, in addition to thanking God for life and every manifold blessing, we can thank God for the blessed opportunity to serve Him as faithful followers of Jesus Christ throughout eternity.

 

(Revelation 4:10) the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

 

The four living creatures lead the worship of God and the twenty-four elders respond appropriately. These four living creatures probably also lead the animals they represent to praise the LORD. Any positions of honor or rewards these elders have, as represented by their crowns, they attribute to the grace of God who has given them the abilities, the talents, the resources, the life, all they have and are to achieve what they have done; therefore, they lay their crowns before the throne with gratitude.

 

(Revelation 4:11) “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”

 

The twenty-four elders agree unanimously; so they join in the worship of God unanimously with the four living creatures. All those who love God and trust in Jesus Christ for eternal life and salvation also agree, and they proclaim that the true God, the God of the Bible, is their Lord and God. God is worthy of our total allegiance and immediate obedience when we learn our duty from the Scriptures as the Holy Spirit leads. By His actions and attributes, God is worthy to receive glory, honor, and power and all the glory, honor, and power that we possess we attribute to God and praise Him for these gifts. God created all things, and God created us for His glory, so we can glorify God because He created us for that purpose. We are alive today and will live forevermore as followers of Jesus because of God’s choices, God’s will. We exist moment-by-moment because God sustains our being. God is glorified by our total dependence on Him, and we glorify Him when we acknowledge our total dependence on Him in everything we do and say and praise Him for His wonderful work in our lives, in the lives of others, and in all creation.

 

 

What the Seraphs Know

April 22, 2018

Revelation 4:1-11

 

“Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8).

 

Both the Old Testament and the New Testament give us a glimpse into heaven. When the prophet Isaiah saw the Lord sitting on a throne he wrote: “Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory’” (Isaiah 6:2-3). When the apostle John saw and described the throne of God, he also described these seraphs and added the detail that they had eyes all around and even under their wings. Neither Isaiah nor John describe God’s appearance; therefore, no one can make a true physical representation of God to worship. The seraphs could see God, all of God’s creation, and even within themselves, and they proclaimed God’s moral qualities. Repeatedly, they declare three times in succession, before repeating themselves, that God is holy. Some interpret this to mean God the Father is holy, Jesus the Son is holy, and the Holy Spirit is Holy. God is morally pure, good, true, loving, just, merciful, and always does what is right. God always uses His almighty power and authority over all in good and loving ways. And though our world is no longer as God created it, it is still full of His glory. Finally, Jesus Christ is the One “who was, and is, and is to come.”

 

 

 

Thinking Further

What the Seraphs Know

April 22, 2018

Revelation 4:1-11

Name ___________________________

 

1. How did John get before the throne of God?

 

 

2. Would someone reading John’s Revelation be able to draw a picture of God? Why or why not?

 

 

3. In addition to the throne of God, what beings did John see?

 

 

4. How did John describe these beings?

 

 

5. What were these beings doing?

 

 

Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

 

1. How did John get before the throne of God? A voice from heaven called him to come up and the Spirit enabled him to do so.

 

2. Would someone reading John be able to draw a picture of God? Why or why not? No. John described colors and shapes around the throne of God and not what he saw of God, if he saw anything of God. He saw enough of a shape to say he saw “someone” on the throne, and he did not say more.

 

3. In addition to the throne of God, what beings did John see? He saw twenty-four elders and four living creatures or seraphim.

 

4. How did John describe these beings? The had eyes all around and six wings and they praised God and they had the faces or appearance of a lion, an ox, a human, and an eagle.

 

5. What were these beings doing? They were praising the Lord and saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”

 

 

Word Search

What the Seraphs Know

April 22, 2018

Revelation 4:1-11

Name ______________________________

 

O A V O D O H K V Y M W O J Q

L T C R C U Y E T W O T B L I

S I M X N K N H M B K E M O C

Y R R W L S G A N E T H P W R

S I U E D I L I C F R I R J P

J P B C M R A K R K N A F K D

E S Y L E R C B C M V G L E T

S M A P B N E V A E H Z F D G

U C S Y E D K C D N V X B L M

S A N J N E V H F X L O S W V

J V Z E O L K B M N R H X F P

E Q F C R G W N O I L Q I D S

O N I Q H A O M H O L Y C O L

M P X F T E A V B A X G M O P

W A R Q W N B W N K M K Q R W

 

Door

Heaven

Come

Spirit

Jasper

Ruby

Rainbow

emerald

Throne

Lion

Ox

Man

Eagle

Holy

Almighty

 

 

 

True and False Test

What the Seraphs Know

April 22, 2018

Revelation 4:1-11

Name _______________________________

 

Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.

 

1. A loud voice called and enabled John to enter the throne room in heaven. True or False

 

2. John completely described the one he saw on the throne. True or False

 

3. John tried to describe the colors he saw when looking at the one on the throne. True or False

 

4. John counted twelve thrones around the throne. True or False

 

5. John saw elders clothed in white with golden crowns on their heads. True or False

 

6. The seven burning lamps or torches were the seven spirits of God. True or False

 

7. Most interpret the seven spirits to mean the Holy Spirit. True or False

 

8. Around the throne John saw four living creatures that were full of eyes. True or False

 

9. At first, the heavenly choir was so loud John could not hear the elders

singing. True or False

 

10. John heard the four living creatures say: “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord

God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” True or False

 

 

True and False Test Answers

Revelation 4:1-11

1. True
2. False
3. True
4. False
5. True
6. True
7. True
8. True
9. False

     10.True

  

Prayer

 

Lord God Almighty, Heaven and earth are full of Your glory. May You reign forever in all creation and in our hearts. In the name of Jesus, by whom all things are created, we pray. Amen.