READ: Rev. 4:6-11
You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created. – Rev. 4:11
In verse 4, we read about 24 thrones with 24 elders seated around God’s throne. Are these the angelic council (see Ps. 89:7-9) or representatives of the Old and New Testament church (12 tribes and 12 apostles)? The preference leans toward the latter explanation based on Rev. 21:12,14 and Heb. 12:23b.
Before the throne, John sees something like a sea of glass, clear as crystal (vs. 6). Ezekiel also sees something similar (Ezek. 1:22). All light, colors, fiery glow, and lightning are reflected in it, and all sound is echoed within it. Everything is dazzling, impressive, and breathtaking. This is how God reigns, in heavenly divine glory and omnipotence, in pure truthfulness, and burning zeal. God displays purifying love but also holy wrath; He is always faithful in curse and blessing.
Four living creatures near the throne are also mentioned (vs. 6). They resemble living beings with many eyes and six wings. They bring to mind the seraphim from Isaiah’s calling vision (Isaiah 6:2). These angels stand by God’s throne in complete reverence, ready to swiftly execute God’s commands. Hence, the six wings. With their many eyes, nothing escapes their notice.
They represent creation: lion, ox, human, and eagle. They also resemble the beings Ezekiel saw in his calling vision (Ezek. 1:10). These four creatures were continually honoring God and proclaiming: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come” (cf. Is. 6:3).
God alone is perfectly holy: glorious, and far above all angels and humans. He cannot tolerate sin (1 John 1:5). Therefore, the almighty Creator of heaven and earth deserves all praise and honor from all His creatures. If the entire heaven worships God in this way, should we not also worship Him on earth?
Are you always aware of God’s holiness?
Singing: Ps. 89:6