Revelation of John 4

"What does it all mean?"

For much of what is in Rev. 4, I don't have answers.

It seems like John is stretching language to its very limits trying to convey something we have no context for understanding. But even if we fail to fully grasp what he is trying to describe for us, one thing comes across with crystal clarity: God, on His throne, is awe-inspiring!

This passage seems to me to be highly figurative (for reasons I'll outline) -- but don't let that diminish the impact of the scene. Remember that we generally only use figurative language (similes, metaphors, comparisons, analogies, etc.) when we can't effectively describe something in plain language. So when we use figurative language trying to describe something beautiful, we do so because the reality was even more beautiful than a non-figurative description could convey. When we use figurative language describing something horrible, the reality was even worse than our normal descriptions could depict.

So if John's description, as you try to imagine it and place yourself in his shoes, leaves you (as it does me) gasping a little for air -- just imagine what kind of reality it would have had to have been to inspire such comparisons!

Surely our God is Worthy of all the worship we can give Him!

Why I Interpret this as Figurative

We have some clues in the text itself:

Numerous uses of "like"

• Voice like a trumpet
• Appearance like jasper and carnelian
• Rainbow like emeralds
• Something like a sea of glass, like crystal

Descriptions that, if literal, are contradictory

• For example: "Like a lion" but with six wings and with eyes all around and inside.
• However a six-winged creature covered in eyes might be described, it would NOT be very lion-like...

What the Figures might Mean

• Descriptions of the jewelled appearance of the throne and the one on it probably is an attempt to convey unparalleled beauty and value.
• Thrones convey rule and authority. The "elders", whether angelic or human, clearly are impressive beings and worthy of respect. They are rulers themselves (over what, we cannot know). But they humble themselves eagerly to God!
• Lightning and Thunder convey the tremendous power at God's disposal -- and how intimidating it must be to stand in His presence.
• The four living creatures? I confess my ignorance! Clearly, they are powerful. Likely to be swift. They see in all directions. They're physically intimidating... And they are utterly enthralled by the God they serve!

What to Take from this Chapter

There is more we could note. And much more we could speculate on. But maybe it is best not to try too hard to dissect the symbolism and risk creating our own meanings for things out of our ignorance.

Rather, let us simply marvel at the Glory of our God. Wonder at the beings He has created to serve Him. Rejoice that such an amazing being has deigned not merely to create us, but to love us!

And Worship Him with all that is within us!

My Prayer Today

Father, I'm dumbfounded by this description of Your Glory. I can't grasp it, but must just soak in it, imagining the reality that inspired it.

My love, my obedience, my worship fall so short of what You are worthy of -- please continue your sanctifying work in me so that with each day that passes, I'm more capable of worshipping and serving you as I should. And, as I go through this day, help my attitude, my actions, my love, and my visage to reflect some small portion of your glory in the world around me.

 SCOTT PURCELL | Elder

Scott committed his life to Christ as a child under the teaching of his parents and church. He graduated from Ozark Christian College in 1989 with bachelors degree in Biblical Literature and served 8 years as Minister of two churches in Missouri and then 3 years as a Church Planter in San Marcos. Since then, he has worked as a technical trainer at Dell and Rackspace. In 2008 Scott and Nan joined HCBC-NW and then Hutto Bible in 2011. Scott serves in Small Group leadership, as secretary to the Elder board, and as the elder over IT and Discipleship. Scott and Nan have been married since 1985 and have three children (Mindy Schultea (married), Kate, and Matthew) and two grandchildren.