In Revelation chapter 4, we see God seated on His throne in heaven. What a beautiful picture this is of God’s sovereignty. He has complete authority over all creation, and He is in complete control of all creation.
After Jesus shared with John the messages for the seven churches (in chapters 2 and 3), John saw a door standing open in heaven. Jesus invited John to enter and see what will take place.
At the center of heaven, John saw God seated on His throne. A rainbow encircled God and the throne (showing that God keeps His promises). Surrounding the throne were four living creatures. Beyond the four living creatures were 24 elders. Later in Revelation, we will see that beyond the throne are thousands upon thousands of angels worshiping God. In front of the throne were seven blazing lamps (signifying the Holy Spirit) and a sea of glass (signifying purity and peace).
It is impossible to describe God. So John described God’s appearance using precious gemstones. This signifies that God was beautiful, pure, and brilliant.
The 24 elders were wearing white robes (signifying purity) and crowns (signifying authority). There are many possibilities for the identity of the elders, but no one knows for sure who the elders are. They probably symbolize the people of God who are rewarded in heaven. The elders were worshiping God.
John saw lightning and heard thunder. They signify God’s judgment that will come from the throne. God rules and reigns with power and purity.
The four living creatures were worshiping God and proclaiming His holiness by crying out “Holy, holy, holy!” They are the creatures closest to God on His throne. God created them to worship Him. They offered Him endless praise. In His holiness, God is worthy of our praise.
Whenever the four living creatures worship God, the 24 elders were compelled to leave their thrones, fall down before God, remove their crowns, and put them at God’s feet.
Heaven is a place of perpetual worship. One of our eternal jobs is to worship God. But we can do that now too! To worship God is to focus on Him, to praise Him for all He is and all He has done, to give Him glory and honor.
God alone is worthy of our worship.
Things to Think About
- Sitting at the center on His throne shows that God is the center of all creation. Is He the center of my attention?
- No matter what happens on this side of heaven, God is still on His throne, in charge and in control. God will not be dethroned.
- All attention in heaven is on God. How often do I focus on God?
- God is holy and calls us to be holy. To be holy is to be morally perfect, pure, set apart from sin. We cannot be holy without the help of the Holy Spirit.
- Are others compelled to worship God because of what I’m doing? Am I leading people to worship God by the way I speak and act?