Sunrays

A Vision of the Throne of God (Rev. 4:1-11)

Jan 13, 2023 By: Elias Adamo Topic: Sermon Devotional Series: The Revelation of Jesus Christ Scripture: Rev. 4:1-11

When the risen Christ appeared to John on the Island of Patmos, he commissioned him to write the things that he saw in a book and to send it to the seven churches in Asia Minor (1:11). Having completed the specific letters to the church, as dictated to him by Christ, John was about to be shown things that would come to pass in the future (1:19).  But before that happened, John was summoned to come up into heaven and to behold the glory of God seated on His throne and the glory of the Lamb.  In the same way that God revealed His glory to Isaiah and Ezekiel prior to commissioning them to deliver His message of judgment to a sinful nation, John experienced a similar revelation.  This vision not only transformed and emboldened John to deliver the message with conviction, but also gave clarity to the rest of the book. We get to understand why God, as our creator and sustainer, deserves our worship and obedience; and as the One who is absolutely holy, He must judge the sin of His creatures who are in rebellion against Him. 

Chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation are most instructive and encouraging to believers as well.  From them we learn what true worship looks like, as we observe the worship of those who are in the very presence of God. Another take-away from these two chapters is this truth: no matter how chaotic our world becomes, God is still on His throne, sovereign over all; and Christ is the one who is executing the plans of God for this world and the universe, and all for the good of the church and for the glory of His name (cf Eph 1:20-23). This ought to encourage and comfort us, seeing that our destiny is not in the hands of lawmakers in Washington, or any rogue regime with nuclear weapon capabilities that can destroy our nation, but in the hands of our glorious, almighty Savior. 

So take heart,dear believer, it won’t be long before we gather with the saints and angels on high, and join the chorus of the redeemed, singing, “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” Amen!