12. THE LORD JEHOVAH REIGNS - Revelation 4:1-11

 

As we have noted previously the book of Revelation consists of seven parallel sections, each giving a different perspective of the entire and same Gospel dispensation. Yet each section is progressive in its instruction.

Chapters 1 through 3 (the epistles to the seven churches of Asia) symbolised the church throughout the ages, as to the different conditions that may be found in it throughout the ages at any given time. At one time it is persecuted, in another it slumbers. Through the Lord’s providence these seven churches became representative of the church throughout history for the church’s instruction, though actually going through those conditions at the time of writing.

In this next section of Revelation, that of the seven seals (chapters 4-7), we see things from the perspective of the sovereign Rule of God. The church is to be comforted and encouraged even in times of trial, tribulation and trouble, for God is still upon His throne and all is therefore in His control.

As with most of Revelation, this section has been subject to many and varying interpretations, some of which are nothing but ludicrous and ridiculous. These include even Irenaeus (170AD), who concluded that the 4 living creatures of Revelation 4:6 were the 4 Gospels (John = lions, Luke = calf, Matthew = Man, Mark = eagle). Until the Lord's return we can expect continuing controversy over the meaning of the various symbols and pictures in Revelation. But what we must keep in mind is that we must not get bogged down in all the detail so as to lose the overall truth being presented to us.

The pictures of Revelation are not meant to give us literal scenes and pictures of the unfolding history of man, but are rather to cause our mind to reflect upon the spiritual truths encased within them. Often our minds are meant to be aroused by the pictures to think upon what we already know from the study of Scripture, our minds being sent back to previously studied sections of the Bible. Principles are to be established from the Revelation based upon the overall teaching of the Bible, revealing to us from them what the future holds for the church and the how the church is to progress throughout the gospel age.

 

Please Read Revelation 3:14-22
(It is also worthwhile to consider Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1 and Ezekiel 10)

 

Verse 1: This verse implies that a return to normality had occurred for the apostle between the initial vision of Christ and the one being now considered. After the initial vision, he now sees a new vision (7:1; 18:1; 19:1), being drawn to an open door in heaven (Ezek 1:1; 2 Cor 12:2). The door is open so that John can enter in and see what is happening in heaven.

The first voice that John heard in this vision is most likely the same as the one he heard in Revelation 1:10-12, that of Christ Himself. In this vision John is invited to ascend to heaven in order to see future events (1:19) from the perspective of heaven.

Some (Dispensationalists) have interpreted this verse as teaching the rapture of the church. But this is merely a vision, offering a preview of future events from the time of the vision occurring. John is the only one invited to this vision of the future.

Verse 2: Immediately the apostle is ‘in the Spirit,’ being led through the door by the Spirit (17:3). What John saw are not literal realities of the here and the now, but that which expresses spiritual truths and realities. John lost conscious contact with the physical world and is now completely fixed on the vision. The vision is now the focus of his mind and thoughts.

The throne that John sees in his vision is the one that is central to the universe. This is the symbolic seat of the omniscient, sovereign and transcendent God (Ps 47:8; Is 6:1; Ezek 1:26ff). The One seated on the throne is the Father (Ex 20:4).

QUESTIONS: Of what time period are these things in the vision representative of? Why is this so important?

 

Verse 3: In this verse John describes the indescribable, the Father on the throne. What he describes are symbols of Divinity, for the Divine cannot be seen and described (Ps 104:2; Ezek 1:26-28; 1 Tim 6:16).

The Father is like Jasper (21:11), clear as crystal; and like Sardius, blood red. These symbolically portray the majesty of God and are thought to be representative of His being clothed in unapproachable light, of His Omnipotence and Judgement.

To add weight to this understanding of the verse, the symbolism of the rainbow sends the memory back to Genesis 9:12ff, bringing to mind the attributes of God’s mercy. The emerald is a green rock, which refracts a rainbow of prismatic colours.

QUESTION: What do you understand as being represented in these symbols of the majesty of God?

 

NOTE: INDIVIDUAL DISCOVERY QUESTION HERE: Who are the 24 elders of Revelation 4:4?

 

Verse 4: The 24 elders on the 24 thrones have been interpreted as many things. Some have seen these as an angelic order; others as 24 Priestly/Levitical orders, as in 2 Chronicles 24 and 25, which worship and serve the Lord. Still others see them as being derived from the 24 star gods of Babylonian astrological religion, which have become 24 orders of angels in Jewish Apocalyptic Tradition.

A better interpretation and understanding is that these represent the entire Church of both the old and new Testament Dispensations (cf 21:12-14; Is 24:23). The 24 being representative of the 12 tribes and the 12 apostles, thereby being representative of the whole church.

The elders are clothed in white robes, these being the garments of redeemed holiness and purity. They also have crowns of gold, being a symbol of victory.

QUESTION: What then does verse 4 see the church as?

 

Verse 5: The symbolism in these verses kindle memories of various parts of scripture, including Mt Sinai and the giving of the Law (Ex 19:16ff; Ps 18:9ff; 77:18; Heb 12:18ff). Here again are clear indications of the awesome power and majesty of God, especially as seen in judgement (1 Sam 2:10; Rev 8:1ff; 11:15ff; 16:17ff) and salvation (Ps 18:16ff; Job 37:12).

The lamps are obviously representative of the Holy Spirit, again symbolizing the completeness of His Presence and Work, that of both judgement and sanctifying power (Is 11:2; Ex 25:31ff; 2 Chron 4:2-6; Ezek 1:13; Rev 1:4).

Verse 6: The sea of glass probably means either one of two things. It maybe used firstly in connection to the OT sea (Ex 25:31ff; 2 Chron 4:2-6), thereby symbolising sanctifying power, which would be the blood of Christ (7:14). The more likely possibility however is that it presents to us the transcendent glory of God in His separateness from His creatures (Ezek 1:22-26; Job 37:18; Rev 15:2).

In the immediate vicinity of the throne are 4 living creatures, cherubim (Ezek 1:5,10,13,18,26,28; 10:12,20; Gen 3:24; Ex 25:20). These angelic beings are ready to render service and are representative of all the living ones (5:11; 7:11). They seem to possess a penetrating knowledge.

Verses 7,8: Verses 7 and 8 are meant to show us characteristics of the cherubim, these being strength (Ps 103:20), ability (Heb 1:14), intelligence (Lk 15:10) and swiftness (Dan 9:21). They had great intellectual penetration, with great ability for immediate service (Ps 18:10; 103:20,21; Dan 9:21; Lk 12:8; 15:10; Heb 1:14).

The cherubim constantly acknowledged and worshipped God (7:12; Is 6:3), as the transcendent, omnipotent and everlasting God.

Verses 9-11: As the Cherubim worship, so does the church. The elders representing the church follow the cherubim in worshipping their God (5:14; 7:11). By casting their crowns before Him they are acknowledging that they owe their victory to God and that He is sovereign and supreme. Their worship reflects the glory of God and of a fully restored creation to divine order.

QUESTIONS: How is the believer to respond to the scene presented?

 

What encouragement is there in this vision for the believer? What about for the unbeliever?

 

INDIVIDUAL DISCOVERY

How has the 'Root of David' prevailed (5:5)? What does this mean?

 

What are the 7 horns and the 7 eyes of Revelation 5:6?

 

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17/10/2006

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