The big idea: God sits on his throne and is in control of everything
So in chapter 4, we get a sneaky peek at the throne room of God in heaven....
v1- The voice he can hear is Jesus', just like he heard in Chapter 1.
v2- John is saying he was "in the spirit". Ok, when I first read this, I thought what on earth is he on about, but....this basically means that the Holy Spirit was giving him a vision. He could see a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. Now, this wasn't just anyone sitting on the throne, this was Christ!
v3-5- These verses are jam packed with references from the Old Testament. For example, the rainbow (v3) is from God's promise to Noah in the flood, the thunder and lightning (v5) from when God gave out his law on Mount Sinai.
Application: God is awesome! He is on his throne in heaven in control of everything :D
There are 24 thrones around God's throne. There were 12 tribes of Israel, and 12 disciples of Jesus and these 24 elders on the thrones symbolise ALL of God's people.
v6-7- The "four living beings" are representing God's character. They aren't real animals (lets face it, we would be a tad freaked out if we saw an animal covered all over in eyes!)....
the lion= God's power
the ox= God's faithfulness
the human- God's intelligence
the eagle= God's sovereignty
(Ezekiel sees something similar in the Old Testament- chapter 1 v5-10)
v9-11-Worship causes us to consider and think about these parts of God's character and....verse 11 -->
"You are worthy, O Lord our God,
to receive glory and honour and power.
For you created all things,
and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
All creatures in heaven and earth will praise and honour God because he is creator and sustainer of everything!
'You are worthy, o Lord, of all honour
You are worthy to receive all praise
In your presence I live and with all I have to give
I will worship you
Honour you, glorify your holy name.'
....Hillsong: You are worthy
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