Being transported into
God’s throne room, John saw God sitting on the throne. The beauty of the One
seated on the throne was beyond description. He merely alluded His appearance
to the beauty of a Jasper stone and sardius. Here John used the glistening and colorful ray of the light reflected by the Jasper and
Sardius to describe the splendor of God’s appearance.
And immediately,
we are told that there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. The
rainbow reminds us of the promise of God made after the great flood in Noah’s
day. It’s a reminder of the covenant God had made, never to destroy the earth
by another flood again. It speaks of God’s great mercy. Together with the
emerald it was a sight even too difficult for our minds to imagine. Suffice to
say that the whole scene conveys a sense of a combination of the mercy and
beauty of God that inspire great awe for this wonderful magnificent God.
Surrounding the
throne of God, John saw twenty-four other thrones, and seated on the 24 thrones
were 24 elders – the council of God. Who were these 24 elders? They most
certainly comprised of the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles of the New
Testament. They represent the sum total
of God’s people, sharing in the rule of God over the world. The white robes they wore signify purity. In
many parts of Revelation, white robe is regularly
associated with holiness. It is also the apparel of the redeemed. The word
“crown” is better translated as laurel or wreath which an Olympian would be
given as a reward for being victorious. The golden crowns
on their heads signify victory. Unlike the material for garment or a wreath,
the gold speaks of permanence. All these tell us that they are people who have been
purified, made holy and pure by the blood of Christ, and the golden crowns
signify the victory they had secured through Him.
The scene around
the throne was not passive and docile. It was full of activities. Out of God’s
throne came flashes of lightning and peals of thunder. John also saw the seven
lamps probably shaped much like the menorah lampstand, burning fire before the
throne. Here we are told that it represents the Holy Spirit with His absolute
perfection before the throne.
What about the glassy sea and
crystal? It was something visual to help us
see the scene of the splendid brilliance around God’s throne room. The sea of
glass is an outstanding and superb feature in the scene. It reflects the
flashes of multi-colored light radiating from the throne, enhancing its beauty
and splendor.
What’s do all these
encourage us? Notice it or not, the church is surrounded by a host of
challenges. And as tough as many of the circumstances may be, we must realize
that right there in the midst of them stands the heavenly throne room. On that
throne sits the sovereign Lord, in all His glorious power, taking full control.
As we catch a glimpse of the Lord’s sovereign rule, we will soon realize no
matter how tough our circumstance may be, our victory is already secured!
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