A Glorious Invitation | Rev 4

As you open your Bibles and turn to Revelation 4, I invite you to think with me for a moment. What was the most awe-inspiring moment you can ever remember? Entering into a place filled with wonder and grandeur you never imagined. I’ll never forget walking through redwood national forest, seeing trees 300 feet tall. Perhaps you can recall entering into an ornate ballroom or orchestra concert hall, or your first time at some sporting event, or maybe even your first time taking in Thunder over Louisville. Pure awe at the fireworks. I know that some cathedrals can have that effect. You walk in and you are instantly filled with a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty, the craftsmanship, the splendor of it all.

I’ve been enjoying reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with my children. I’m sure you have all either seen the movies or read the books.

Willy Wonka, the mysterious candy maker who is able to invent all kinds of marvelous candies unlike anything the world has ever seen, but no one is ever allowed into the factory to see what’s going on until he sends out five golden tickets and invites those who find the tickets into his factory.

As the children and their guardians enter the factory that are instantly amazed by what they behold. The sights, the sounds, the smells, that flavors. Chocolate rivers. edible flowers. Room after room of unimaginable wonders. As they progress through the factory tour, they discover a world of pure imagination as the song goes. Unimaginable wonder, grandeur, and mystery.

Well, as we come to today’s text we find something that would make even the most awe-inspiring experience you’ve ever had seem like walking into a mud hut by comparison. Here in Revelation 4 we find an invitation to enter into the very throne room of God where we behold his unparalleled glory, delight in his glorious reign, and worship the thrice-holy and only worthy God, and all of it is beyond anything you can ever imagine.

Revelation 4 LSB

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.” Immediately I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne. 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. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and upon those thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads. And out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. And the first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within, and day and night they do not cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.” And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”

A few things that need to be noted before we dive into this text.

This text marks a shift in the book of revelation, signaled by two key phrases.

First, is “after these things”. This is development marker that indicates we are in a new section. As we move forward through the book, there will be times when we will find the chronological marker of “then” this happened, “then” that. But here, we have after these things, suggesting a larger break in subject material, and as we keep reading we discover why.

The second marker comes from voice from heaven. “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things” If you remember from chapter 1, we saw Christ provide for us the broad outline of the book. Rev 1:19

Revelation 1:19 LSB

“Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things.

I. Things which you have seen (Rev 1:1-20)

II. The things which are (Rev 2:1-3:22)

III. The things which will take place (Rev 4:1-22:21)

John described the things that he saw, that was chapter 1. Then he wrote about the things that are, that was chapters 2-3. Now we are shifting into the things which must take place after these things.

We are now moving into the truly prophetic portion of the book of Revelation. The letters to the seven churches were Christ’s instruction to those churches and then by extension to all churches in this age. Now the focus is going to shift away from the church and to what God intends to do in the world as we move closer to the day of His return.

2. The second issue that is often asked as come to this juncture of the of book of Revelation is where is the rapture of the church?

Here at Pillar Fellowship, we affirm a doctrine known as the pre-tribulation rapture of the Church. We believe that at the conclusion of the church age, Jesus Christ is going to descend from heaven with a shout and the dead in Christ will rise to meet him, and all believers will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air, and this will take place before a seven year tribulation period occurs on the earth, known as the Great Tribulation. We discussed the timing of several of these events in detail when we were studying Daniel 9 on Sunday mornings, and also when we studied 1st and 2nd Thessalonians on Wednesday evenings.

Where is the rapture in the book of Revelation? One preacher quipped, it’s in the white space between chapter 3:22 and 4:1.

In all seriousness, it is a genuinely interesting thing about the book of Revelation that the rapture is hardly mentioned at all. There is a passing allusion or two in the letters to the churches, but no direct teachings or explanation.

Why? Without getting too lost in the weeds, it’s simply beyond the scope of the intent of the prophecy. Revelation is primarily about what God is going to do on the earth during a time when the church is absent. The church isn’t the main focus of these events, so once the letters to the churches are finished, that’s the last we hear about the church until chapter 22.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t relevance for us, as we will see. It does mean there is a different focus.

And it is to that focus we now turn.

As we look at chapter 4, I have to confess up front that there are some details here that are worth spending time on that I’m simply not going to be able to do simply for the sake of time, and I think we can sometimes get too bogged down in the details that we miss the forest for the trees.

Furthermore, I think there is a case to be made here that many of the details in the text are not meant to be obsessed over, but are here to provide for us a glorious panoramic picture of the throne room in heaven. With that in mind, let’s consider this marvelous text.

As we think about God’ invitation to John to enter into the throne room in heaven, this text really serves as an invitation to you, the reader, the listener. This text beckons us, it calls us, it invites us to behold the glory of God, to be delighted in the glorious rule and reign of our king and God, and finally, we are invited to worship with the angels and elders. Behold. Delight. Worship.

You are Invited to Behold the Glory of God

John says in vs 1 that he was issue an invitation: come up here, and I will show you what must take place.

This is the invitation to John. God opens the door to heaven and says come. And so he goes.

It should be noted here that the purpose of the invitation was reveal to God all that was to come on the earth. This text sets us up for the the breaking of the seals which begin God’s judgment on the earth for the 7-year tribulation.

Before John witnesses the horrors that are about to unfold, God reminds him of something. He reveals his beauty to John, he shows him the throne room, he reminds John, this is who I am. I’m the creator. I am holy. I am worthy.

This is such an important backdrop, because so often as we go through Revelation the focus is on the death, the destruction, and so often Revelation is sensationalized and used for fear and manipulation, and here God says, hold up.

Let’s not lose sight of why all these things are happening. Let’s not remember who I am, as the sovereign creator and king.

He invites John into the very throne room of the King of kings and reveals the His majesty to John.

John then turns right around and invites us to see with him.

Look at vs 2: Immediately I was in the Spirit and behold, a throne was standing in heaven and One sitting on the throne.

Behold! This is an interjection that is deigned to highlight what John is seeing. With this interjection he invites you and I to consider with him the glorious things that lay in front of him.

And as he looks around, he describes for us the scene in panoramic detail.

First, he describes radiant glory emanating from the throne.

Jasper, sardius. Emerald rainbow.

These are precious stones of various colors. Jasper could be a variety of colors, and some commentators think it was likely a diamond. Sardius was red like a ruby. Emerald was green, and the rainbow is described as being emerald in appearance, so perhaps less like a rainbow in terms of the variety of colors, and more like a gradient emerald glow that emanated from the throne.

Different commentators have assigned different significances to these precious stones. I’m not sure there is a special meaning beyond causing us to realize that John’s experience here was dazzling.

Around the throne were 24 thrones, upon which say 24 elders, clothed in white with golden crowns. I came into this text assuming that these represented redeemed Israel with 12, one for each oft he 12 tribes, and the church, one for each of the 12 apostles. As I studied, I am now more convinced that they all representatives of the church. The Primary reason for this is because at this point, Israel is not yet fully redeemed, whereas the entirety of the church has been translated to glory at the rapture.

These elders are clothed in white and are wearing victor’s crowns. Two Greek words for crown are used in Revelation. One is more for one who rules and reigns. That is not used here. The other is for victors, who overcame something significant. Their apparel reminds us of what Christ promised to several of the churches in the last two chapters.

From the throne came flashes of lightening and peals of thunder. Think back to Exodus 19 when God was giving Moses the Law on mount Sinai.

Exodus 19:16 LSB

So it happened on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled.

Seven lamps stand burning representing the seven spirits of God. We have talked about the seven spirits on at least three occasions now. We saw this in chapter 1, and chapter 3. Each time we have been reminded of the texts in Is 11 and Zech 4. In these texts the Spirit of God is said to be seven. The context emphasize how the Spirit of God operates and His omniscience. Here there are seven burning lamps that symbolize His presence.

Before the throne was something like a sea of glass or crystal.

Then there are the living creatures. Lion, calf, or ox, a man, and an eagle.

Again, there is no shortage of suggestions for the meaning of these creatures. They described in similar terms as the angelic beings that Ezekiel saw in Ez. and Isiah’s vision in Is 6.

Many have tried to make the living creatures symbolic of various things. It’s very difficult to say with certainty what they may represent, and everyone has an opinion.

Perhaps seeking some specific symbolism misses the point. Perhaps the point is that these are some kind of angelic beings who may have some kind of elevated position before the Father, and yet they are offering themselves to do nothing but call out

Holy Holy Holy in the Lord God Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.

John surveys the seen and he says, behold. Behold the glory of God.

Words cannot really describe the sight. He has to use similes and comparisons. It was like jasper. The sea was like glass, the living creatures were like a lion, eagle, etc.

John sees all this and says behold. You are also invited to behold this glory.

You are Invited to Behold the Glory of God

As John directs us to consider what he saw, have you considered that there is a day coming when those who trust Christ will see this in glory.

One day you and I will stand in the place where John stood, beholding the glory of the Lord, seeing the splendor and the glory.

This is amazing. This is awe inspiring. This should invoke a sense of wonder and amazement for all that God is!

But as we do that. As we behold the glory and stand in awe of it all.

This text takes us deeper.

You are Invited to Delight in the Rule of God

How? How does this text invite us to delight in the rule of God?

The emphasis in this text is on the throne of God. 13 times in this chapter the word throne or thrones is used, and five times the concept of sitting on those thrones is spoken of.

This is the throne room. This is where God rules and reigns over his creation. This scene isn’t just a nice picture of heaven for us to begin imagining what it must be like.

No. This picture is of a ruling and reigning King. This picture shows us the glory of God, the majesty of God, the splendor of God, but it shows us Him reigning over his creation.

This is huge for several reasons.

As we think about the letters to the 7 churches, all the things that Christ spoke of, all the things that he promised to the overcomers, all that is only possible if we serve a sovereign God who able to bring about what he promised. This picture shows He is able.

As we think about what’s coming to the world in the 7-year tribulation followed by the return of Christ to earth, all of that is only possible if God is sovereignly ruling over His creation and bringing about His good purposes. God isn’t losing control and being caught off guard regarding what is to come on the earth. He’s the one exercising his justice on the earth, even as things appear to devolve into chaos.

And when we consider those details, the fact that the angels, who are helping us behold the glory of God, and the 24 elders, who all leave their thrones in order to bow down before the one who remains seated on His, the fact that they respond to God in worship makes complete and total sense. So this text takes us from beholding, to delighting, to worshiping the only thrice holy God.

You are Invited to Worship the Thrice-Holy God

First is the worship of the living creatures. vs 8.

Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty.

This comes straight from Is 6:1-3

Isaiah 6:1–3 LSB

In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is Yahweh of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory.”

Isaiah was stunned at this picture and despaired of his own life! Here Here John catches a glimpse of the same things that Isaiah saw, and the worship continues!

Who was and is and who is to come. As Jim was teaching from chapter one a few weeks ago he pointed us to the connection to God’s self-revelation to Moses in Ex 3:14

Exodus 3:14 LSB

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

The linguist parallels to God’s self-identification in Ex and this declaration by these angelic beings in Rev 4 cannot be missed. This is the ever existent and ever present one. He has no beginning and no end! This is the same God who revealed Himself to Moses. This is the one who truth endures, who character endures, whose love endures. There was never a time that God was not, and there never will be a time when he passes out of existence.

And so the text says in 9 that the living creatures respond to the nature of God and they give him glory, and honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him to lives forever and ever. God’s rule does not end. His good and gracious reign endures to all times. And he is worshiped because of it.

The creatures worship him. The 24 elders, they join in.

The text initially says that the living creature day and night never cease to say Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty.

And then in vs 9 it says whenever they give glory and honor and thanks to God, the elders join in.

It seems that in their never ending worship, there are periodic points of special praise Given to God, and when those moments come, the elders join in.

They rise from their thrones and they bow. This shows us that even though they have their own thrones, they don’t possess the same rule that God does. They are subservient to the King of kings.

They rise and bow, and then they cast their crowns before the throne.

If you’re familiar with the Christian band “Casting Crowns” and wondered where they got their name, this is it.

The point here is that whatever reward that the elder receive, whatever position they occupy, whatever honor has been bestowed upon them, they recognize that it is only because of the goodness and grace of God and they cast their crowns before the throne in homage and recognition that their victory is due to Him.

Then the elders cry out

Worth are you, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power.

He is worthy of worship. Worthy of praise. Why?

Because you created all things. and because of Your will they existed and were created. God is the eternal creator. He is worthy of our worship because He is the one who has made us.

I think of Ps 100

Psalm 100 LSB

A Psalm of Thanksgiving. Make a loud shout to Yahweh, all the earth. Serve Yahweh with gladness; Come before Him with joyful songs. Know that Yahweh, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For Yahweh is good; His lovingkindness endures forever And His faithfulness, generation unto generation.

This psalm emphasizes the same things that are being emphasized in Rev 4. God is being worshiped as the creator. We didn’t make ourselves. He made us. And he is being worshiped because of his eternality.

Three times the text emphasizes the enduring nature of God. He was and is, and is to come. He lives forever and ever.

And the elder respond in worship.

When you stand in awe of who God is, this is really the appropriate response. Worship.

We have been invited to behold the Glory of God. Indeed, that is a real invitation to you, not just in this text as you use your imagination to picture what this must be like, but you have been invited in a very real sense, because in the Gospel of Jesus Christ you are promised eternal life and entrance into the heaven, into the glorious presence of this great God!

Have you trusted him? Will you behold the Glory of God in all his splendor?

Next week we are going to spend time on the worthiness of the Lamb who was slain. Jesus Christ. The perfect sacrifice. The one who died on the cross for your sin and rose again from the dead. The invitation stands open to you today if you have never trusted him. If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ you will be saved.

We have been invited to delight in the eternal reign of God. This text heavily emphasizes the rule of God. He isn’t absent from His throne for even one second. He doesn’t grow old and frail. The Ancient of Days possess the same strength and vitality as he did when Daniel saw Him as the Ancient of Days roughly 700 years before John sees Him here. He’s still on the throne, and we are invited to delight in that.

When we do so, it should move us to worship. It should remind us that we do not accomplish anything in our own strength, that we owe every victory to the Lord, and as such He alone is worthy of our worship and praise.

do you worship Him? I know we sing songs of praise here on Sundays. Its possible to move your lips and sing the words without actually worshiping him.

Behold the glory of God. Delight in his rule. Worship Him, for he is worthy of it.