Now begins what most people think of when they think of Revelation, the series of visions of judgement. However, as indicated in the preceding posts Revelation is actually a book designed to equip God's people to go through tribulation, to overcome in the midst of trials.
So we start with a vision of the throne in heaven. Worldly kingdoms of all sorts claim to have power, seek to exert authority. Indeed we see this today even in the west with governments' attempts to crush opposition to same-sex marriage. We need to know who is really in charge.
John is invited to enter into heaven to see what is really happening and what will happen.
John saw a great vision of the throne in heaven. John is rather reticent about describing who is on the throne, but it is Jesus and He is covered in glory.
Surrounding the throne were twenty four elders, each with a crown and dressed in white. Lightning and thunder came from the throne and seven lamps were blazing. It says these were the "seven spirits of God", or the "sevenfold spirit". Various interpretations have been given for the sea of glass.
The vision seems similar to what Ezekiel saw (Ezek 1:6,10).
The living creatures praised the Lord day and night. Th elders fell down and gave glory to the Lord.
Verse 11 sums up what we need to know. The Lord is the only One who is worthy to receive glory and honour. And why is He the only One who is worthy? Because He is the One who created all things, and He is the One who sustains all things.
No comments:
Post a Comment