Thursday Thought -- October 31, 2013

Good Morning Friends,

The Apostle John received a great privilege -- the opportunity to get a glimpse of what is to come -- of heaven and what goes on there. Few others have made that journey and come back to tell of it.

At the center of heaven is a throne and someone is sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne has a brilliance that can only be described by picturing the most brilliant precious gems and He is surrounded by glory. “At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne.” (Revelation 4:2-3)

Around the throne are beings that can hardly be described. There are 24 elders, all with crowns that represent their authority and honor. In front of the throne are 7 lamps and they are the 7 spirits of God. Before the throne are four creatures -- one like a lion, one like an ox, one like a man, one like an eagle.

The 24 elders and the four creatures have something in common -- they all raise their voices in praise to the one on the throne. Of the creatures, John writes, “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)

And the 24 elders also give praise, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (Revelation 4:11)

John’s description is not a perfect description of heaven and he’ll try again in other places in Revelation. It’s the best he can do with the words he can use and the images he can envision. All of heaven is so far beyond imagination that it cannot be described in human language. But, from John’s description we can learn these things:

·         Heaven is a place of glory and honor to God, the One on the throne. There is no doubt about where the power and authority lies in heaven. The throne is visible for all to see and the One sitting upon it has majesty and power that can't even be described.

·         Heaven is a place of constant praise to God. The creatures and the elders, and later we’ll hear of the multitudes, and none of them can stay quiet. They all raise their voices in praise to God.

God deserves that praise. We’ll see that clearly in heaven when His glory and honor are unveiled. We can see it now, too, if we’ll look more closely at who God is and what He has done. Praise should be on our lips here, too.

His, by Grace,

Steve