READ: Rev. 4:1-5
… Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.- Rev. 4:2,3
In a vision, Christ shows John what must soon take place. He reveals the future: this is how it must happen. Hence, His voice is like a trumpet! John is allowed to peer into God’s heavenly palace.
Few have been granted this privilege. We read about it in the visions of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Stephen. John sees symbolic images with a message. This applies to the entire book of Revelation (cf. Daniel 7).
First, it’s the throne of God, the place where the whole world is governed. God sits there in full power, majesty, and tranquility. He has everything under control, no matter how turbulent the world may seem.
The message is: be at peace and trust in the one true God, who reigns over time and leads toward the ultimate goal. God’s form itself is not described here. But it does illustrate how magnificent, pure, and holy He is. The crystal-clear diamond and fiery red sardius signify God’s clear insight and pure judgment, along with His burning love and zeal.
The rainbow around the throne, resembling an emerald, points to God’s absolute faithfulness and the fact that He is the Fountain of Life that generates new (green) life. Lightning, voices, and thunderous sounds emanate from His throne. These make clear how God opposes sin in the world. With these awe-inspiring signs, God appeared to His people Israel during the covenant at Mount Sinai.
Also, John sees seven fiery torches burning before God’s throne. These are the seven Spirits of God. The Holy Spirit is active as fire in judgment against the sins of those who turn away from Christ and in the sanctification of those who take refuge in Him (Zech. 4:2). This was already foretold on the day of Pentecost. Let’s honor and worship this Almighty, Holy, and Faithful God!
Can you surrender yourself to God’s guidance?
Singing: Ps. 93:1,3.4