This is a group of work associates from Insperity. We are at Camp Pendleton, San Diego, CA last Monday evening serving at a Christmas Party dinner for 200 marines and their families. One of the officers prayed and then we all said Merry Christmas to each other! What an honor and blessing!

Revelation 4:1-11

This is a transition in Revelation as we begin chapter 4. In order to understand the flow of Revelation, it is critical that we understand and follow the simple outline of Revelation in 1:19. John is to “write the things which he has seen”. This is the content of chapter 1. Also, he is to write about “the things which are”. This is the letters to seven churches in chapters 2-3. Thirdly and lastly, he is to “write the things which will take place after…” (Chapters 4-22).

Back to the future

So today we enter the third section of Revelation which focuses on God’s plans for the future. This section takes up the bulk of the book. It’s why people are generally interested in Revelation. Remember, for me I am seeking instruction and inspiration devotionally which means I will ask how should I live today in light of what I know about the future.  I hope that’s important to you as well.

What’s happening in heaven?

Chapter 4 begins with John’s words “after these things (the letters to the churches) I looked, and behold a door standing open in heaven.”  This chapter is a picture into heaven. It is quite amazing! The focus of this chapter is the Throne of God. The phrase “Throne of God” is mentioned 11 times. Everything happening in this chapter revolves around the throne. The texts is all about the One who sits on the throne and what surrounds the throne. On earth, where we live and breathe today, it seems everything is upside down. There is chaos and turmoil, it seems, everywhere. But In heaven, everything is as it should be.

Exit, stage right

Consider the transition we are in moving from chapter 2 & 3 to chapter 4.  It’s like transitioning scenes from a movie that reveal what is happening in one place versus a different place. We move from what Jesus is doing on earth among his churches to this scene in heaven. The director is building a story.  On earth (chapters 2,3), Jesus is active and at work in a world that is still burdened with sin and the influences of Satan. In this scene in chapter 4, God is on His throne in might, glory and honor. The 24 elders surrounding the throne representing us, the redeemed in heaven, worshiping Him on the thrown and casting our crowns before Him. When you are overwhelmed with the chaos of this world, read Revelation 4 and know that despite the temporary chaos, God is on His Throne. Peace and perfect harmony is in our future. May I have this perspective for my future which will give me the right perspective on all things present. “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory, honor and power” v11. Amen