A Glimpse of His Glory!

The Book That Promises a Blessing!

A study of the book of Revelation

by Pastor Frank Rice

Revelation 4:1-11

Most of us have uttered the phrase or at least heard the phrase used, “I caught a glimpse of…” Something appears suddenly, unexpectedly, and temporarily and our eyes just happen to catch it, but only for a moment. We wish we could have gotten a closer and longer look! We try to recall the little bit that we did see in hopes of prolonging the sight. A short glimpse doesn’t satisfy! John had seen a vision of Christ in chapter, had written to seven churches in chapters 2 and 3, and is now being prepared to record the greatest tribulation the planet will ever experience. He and God’s people will need to catch a glimpse of Him to sustain them.

 

v      Some initial observations must be considered.

1.      Culturally, “the throne room vision of chapter 4 is in deliberate contrast to the imperial cult, which was a major source of persecution for the seven churches and one of the key issues in the book as a whole. The details of the scene – the acclamation, the crowns, the worship of the sovereign, the rows of officials – all were seen in Caesar’s court.” (Osborne)

2.      The apostle clearly draws heavily on the OT for language to describe this experience (Isa 6:1-5; Ezek 1:4-28; Dan 7:9-14).

3.      There is an indication of transition in the terms used; “after these things” and “after this” are chronologically significant.

4.      Some things used by eschatologists to support their position are less than convincing, “come up here,” being one of them.

5.      A glimpse of who God is, what He’s done, and what those closest to Him say about Him will fortify His people for whatever is about to happen.

v      John describes as best he can what he saw and heard.

1.      He saw a door standing open in heaven, not the heavens. [Heaven may be closer than we think, and imperceptible.]

2.      He heard a voice sounding like a trumpet (loud & clear?). From 1:10 we may safely assume this is the voice of Jesus!

3.      He heard this voice invite him into the very presence of God and for a specific purpose, to show him future events! This undoubtedly refers to the time of the historical churches.

4.      He is transported from the stage of impending upheaval to a safe place from which he could view the upcoming, horrifying events.

 

v      The apostle’s being in the Spirit probably describes his attitude of worship and expectancy. (Was he doing his devotions?)

v      The first thing to catch the apostle’s eye is a throne (vv. 2-3).

1.      He moves from describing “a throne” to “the throne” and refers to “the throne” no less than eleven times! That is the center of attention and activity in heaven!

2.      Other thrones will be mentioned, but there is no comparison!

3.      Someone sits on the throne, whose presence is accentuated by spectacular radiance. Jasper may signify majesty/holiness, carnelian wrath/judgment, and emerald God’s grace/mercy!

4.      “What John saw seated on the throne would be a rather spectacularly beautiful contrast between the sparkling clear diamond on the one hand and the blood-red carnelian on the other.” (Patterson)

v      The next sight that catches his eye is 24 thrones, around the throne, occupied by elders (vv. 4-5). (We envision a semi-circle.)

1.      Though their identity is uncertain, these may be viewed as representing the redeemed, 12 tribes of Israel & 12 apostles.

2.      Only men are referred to as elders, only the redeemed appear in white robes in Revelation, and they wear victors’ crowns.

3.      What the apostle then hears and sees is something similar to that which Moses experienced on Mt.Sinai. The call to “come up here” and “The thunders and lightenings around the throne recall the revelation of God’s majesty and sovereignty when He gave the law at Mount Sinai (Ex 19:16; 20:18)” (Keener)

4.      He also sees before the throne seven lamps of fire representing the Spirit of God in all His fullness. (Pentecost?)

v      The next sights to capture his attention are before and encircling the throne (vv. 6-7). (We have no idea of how long this lasted.)

1.      The sea of glass reflected the glory of God and speaks of His expansive magnificence and transcendence!

2.      The four living beings with multiple eyes may communicate the sovereignty of God over all of His creation; the noblest (lion), the strongest (ox), the wisest (man), and the swiftest (eagle).  

 

v      The four living beings, with unlimited mobility and agility, sing ceaseless praise to the God whom they worship and serve (vv. 8-9). Humility is simply recognizing God for who He is, ourselves for what we are, and responding appropriately!

1.      They sing of His absolute holiness, His complete uniqueness!

2.      They sing of His sovereign and incomparable power!

3.      They sing of His eternality; and every time they sing glory, honor, and thanks, they evoke a response from the elders!

4.      “The climax of the presentation of these four living creatures is not their own splendor but their message. These beings, glorious beyond human conception, serve no other function than to extol the character of God.” (Keener) It’s what they do!

v      The 24 elders respond with a joyful song and worshipful gesture of their own (vv. 10-11). (I can hardly wait to see this for myself!)

1.      They attribute to Him all glory, all honor, and all authority because He alone is worthy!

2.      He alone has created all things! Everything belongs to Him. What He creates, He has every right to do with as He pleases.

3.      He alone willed all things into existence and He alone sustains them. (Man is often an impudent, presumptuous creature on God’s planet who thinks more highly of himself than he ought!)

4.      “Everything that exists owes its origin to Him and that not by accident. Each comes about as a result of the determinate will of God. Whatever the essence or being of that entity might be is bound up in the creative genius of the Almighty.” (Patterson)  

5.      “God is seen in splendor on His throne, far above earth’s petty rulers, obviously in control of His world and its history.” (Osborne)

6.      “When the saints assemble, the worship of every church ought always to be noting less than a rehearsal for the day when we enter the heavenly worship described here.” (Patterson)

 

This God is preparing to visit His planet and He wants to give man a last chance at redemption. Pain moves us to or away from God.

 

A glimpse of who God is, what He’s done, and what those closest to Him say about Him will fortify His people for whatever is about to happen.