After he obeys the “voice” of the risen Christ directing him to write down specific messages for seven churches (chapters 2-3), John sees “a door standing open in heaven” (4:1). Once again he hears Jesus speaking in a clear, commanding way (“like a trumpet” 4:1; 1:10). Jesus summons John to “Come up here” (4:1). Immediately (“At once”), John is transported to heaven “in the Spirit” (4:2) where Jesus will show him “what must take place after this” (4:2).
In John’s heavenly vision, he sees “a throne” and “one seated on the throne” (4:2). The One on the throne has “the appearance of jasper [green] and carnelian [red], and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald” (4:3). In front of the throne, in an area resembling “a sea of glass, like crystal” (4:6), stood “seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God” (4:5—“the seven spirits of God” refers to the Holy Spirit in His fullness and perfection; see 1:4; Isa 11:2). Flashes of lightning and rumblings of thunder come from the throne, adding to the majesty and wonder of the vision.
Surrounding the throne are “twenty-four thrones” for “twenty-four elders”, all dressed in white garments and wearing “golden crowns” (4:4). Also, on the four sides of the throne are four spectacular “living creatures” (4:6). John describes the appearance of these living creatures using terms reminiscent of Isaiah’s description of angelic seraphim (Isa 6:1-3) and Ezekiel’s depiction of “four living creatures” (Ezek 1:4-14). Each of the four living creatures has “six wings”; they are also “full of eyes all around and within” (4:6, 8). The first creature has the appearance of a lion, the second of an ox, the third of a man, and the fourth of an “eagle in flight” (4:7).
These four creatures “never cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come’” (4:8). As they repeat this declaration of praise to “give glory and honour and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, and who lives forever” (4:9), the twenty-four elders leave their thrones and “fall down” before the Lord, casting “their crowns before the throne” (4:10). The elders join their praise with the living creatures by saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (4:11).
What is Revealed about Jesus?
Jesus wants His followers to know how the story ends. John hears Jesus (“the first voice which I had heard”—4:1; 1:10) summon him to see “what must take place after this” (4:1). Jesus not only knows what is presently happening in His churches (“I know”—2:2), He also knows what will take place in the future. Jesus wants John (and John’s readers) to know some of what will happen in the future, at the finale of history when He returns to reign (chapters 6-22). Knowing what will happen “after this” strengthens believers to live as conquerors until Jesus comes again (see 2:25).
Jesus wants His followers to gain a glorious vision of the Lord God Almighty. Before Jesus reveals “what must take place after this” (4:1), He makes sure John sees a vision of God in His glory and majesty. Before revealing the carnage that will come to “try those who dwell on the earth” (3:10), Jesus shows John (and all of us) the majesty, holiness, and authority of God. This glorious vision reminds us that God exists eternally (“who was and is and is to come”—4:8; “lives forever and ever”—4:9-10) and is the One who created and controls “all things” (4:8, 11).
How Can We Keep the Words of this Prophecy?
We get ready for turbulent times on earth by worshipping the God of heaven. Before revealing “what must take place” on earth, Jesus makes sure John (and all of us) see a vision of God’s glory, majesty, and authority (4:2). The twenty-four elders (the humans closest to the Lord) and four living creatures (the exalted angelic beings closest to the throne) are absorbed in worshipping God (4:8-11). Heaven is not anxious or nervous about what will happen on earth. We will lower our anxiety by spending less time scrolling news feeds and more time focusing on heavenly realities. As we fix our eyes on God’s greatness and glory, we steady our souls for “what must take place” on earth.
We can face the future with confidence knowing God is in control. Jesus describes future events as “what must take place” (4:1). He invites John (and all those who read or hear this book) to see a preview of what will happen. While much of what we are shown is frightening, we need not remain frightened. The God who created all things (4:11), the One who sits on the throne of heaven, ensures Christ’s kingdom will come, and His will be done. We can live confidently as “conquerors,” knowing history will “take place” (4:1) as the “Lord God Almighty” wills it to happen (4:8).
Reflection Questions:
- How can it strengthen and stretch your soul to read John’s vision of God Almighty on His heavenly throne?
- This week, how will you let this heavenly vision help you navigate the challenges you face on earth?