Immediately after recording Jesus’ message to the seven churches in Asia Minor, John was called up into heaven, in the Spirit, to enter through an open door seen standing before him.
This open door was into what scripture sometimes calls the Third Heaven, where God and His angels abide. Second Heaven refers to the stars and the physical universe, and First Heaven is a reference to the earth’s atmosphere, occupied by the birds of the air.
John writes:
1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.” 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and someone was sitting on the throne. 3 And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance.Revelation 4:1-3 (NASB)
John was being called into the throne room of heaven. Here he would observe many future events which must take place prior to the installation of God’s kingdom on earth. John would record these events for our benefit, for all those living on earth thereafter.
He saw One sitting upon the throne, God the Father, the loving Creator and Sustainer of us all.
A few observations were made. First, as Pastor Ray Tomkins has put it, the throne was not crowded. Only One was sitting upon it.
Second, words could not sufficiently describe God’s physical appearance, only that He shone like jasper and a sardius stone, and that His throne was surrounded by a radiant rainbow, appearing as an emerald.
The Living Bible translates John’s Greek language words this way:
2 And instantly I was in spirit there in heaven and saw—oh, the glory of it!—a throne and someone sitting on it! 3 Great bursts of light flashed forth from him as from a glittering diamond or from a shining ruby, and a rainbow glowing like an emerald encircled his throne. Revelation 4:2-3 (TLB)
The glorious splendor of God is reflected in His limitless grace, mercy, and love, and by the wonders of His creation which surround us. We are all here by His will, and all people have been created in His image.
May we boldly enter the throne room of God through faith in Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer.
16 Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. Hebrews 4:16 (NASB)
Reflection
Though all have sinned in their humanity and fallen short of the glory of God, He has made a sacrificial provision on our behalf – the death and resurrection of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
5… He was pierced for our offenses,
He was crushed for our wrongdoings;
The punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him,
And by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NASB)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NASB)
May we all take the vital step of faith in Him to claim this precious gift which God is so graciously extending to us.
Lord, thank You for not withholding even Your only begotten and beloved Son Jesus, but granting us Him and His sacrifice on the cross so that we may enjoy fellowship with You throughout eternity, resurrected with Him forever. May You be blessed and glorified on earth and in heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a wonderful, blessed day in the joy of the Lord today.
