The letters to the seven churches is now complete.  We have to always be aware of the great persecution of the church that is about to take place in their time.  The various words of correction and commendation that have been uttered have all been concluded by a strict admonition to overcome.  Whether they are doing well or need improvement in their service to the Lord, they will all face some of the greatest persecution in history, and they must overcome this trial.  It is so important for them to realize the sovereignty of God before all this happens, and so this vision of the great throne in Heaven and the One sitting upon it in Kingly command of the affairs of humanity. 

At this point we can reflect back on the expectation of the coming Messiah.  The Jews were expecting and anticipating a powerful One to come to deliver them from the political oppression.  However, Jesus came not as a political deliverer, but a spiritual deliverer and they rejected Him.  Now we begin to see that in the overall scheme of things, “the course of history is not determined by political power but by God enthroned and active.”  This vision is a reminder to the church, that is about to face the impending persecution, “that an omnipotent and omniscient God is still in control.”¹ 

The churches are to be reminded that they are under God’s sovereignty as an encouragement to their present and future tribulation. 

The vision:  In keeping with the Jewish tradition the vision of the throne in Heaven is not told or described without a description of the surroundings as well.  Here we are told about the throne and the One who is seated on it; we are told of the twenty-four other thrones around the throne, and of the elders dressed in white with crowns, as well as the four living creatures who lead the worship of the One on the throne continuously.  There is a sea of glass before the throne, and lightening and thunder emanate from the throne. All those present worship before the throne of God Almighty.

v.1 - John makes the transition from the previous to the current vision while informing us that it is all connected.  He uses a literary technique here of recalling a previous event.  “And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet …”  This statement joins the two visions and also makes the connection between the majesty of the throne in Heaven and the vision of the risen Christ in Ch. 1.  The first voice spoke to John and instructed him to write what he “sees” in a scroll, and now the voice again instructs him to do the same.  John is a prophet (1:3), a “seer” on the isle of Patmos.  It is important what John “sees” and also what he hears.  These things are the important points of the vision.  He is told that God will show him things that MUST take place soon.  This is not left to chance – God has preordained that these things must happen for his reasons.  John is being given the opportunity to see things and events that are yet to happen – a glimpse into the future.  He has switched from the things of the earth to being translated to Heaven.  Imagine how your life would be effected if you were given a first-hand glimpse into heaven and then returned to earth to write about it.

v.2 – In the Spirit, he “sees” a throne and One sitting on it.  “Throne” is mentioned 47 times in Revelation out of the 62 times total in the N.T.  This must be an emphasis in this book – remember, throughout Scripture – God is King.  Ez. 1:1 gives us an idea of the O.T. imagery being drawn on here.  “the hearvens were opened and I ‘saw’ visions of God.” 

v.3 – What did God look like?  This sighting is not described in human form – non-anthropomorphic terms.  He sees brilliance, light, gemstones, lightening, etc.  Ps. 104:2 – “garment of light” – 1 Tim. 6:16 – Paul says – “unapproachable light” – A vision of awe and majesty.  Ez. 1:26-28 –

26 Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. 27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.  NIV

God cannot be seen by us humans – see. John. 12:45; Ex. 33:20, etc.

Precious stones mentioned have no specific significance to the vision, but they are included in other descriptions – priest’s breastplate includes such precious stones, one for each tribe of Israel.

No one has seen God.  Use of majestic terms they could relate to. 

“A rainbow resembling an emerald” – Gen. 9:16-17 – God made a covenant with Noah that He would never again destroy humanity by a flood.  This bow in heaven around the throne may be a sign that this is an eternal covenant.  Genesis’ bow represents the majesty of God making covenant with humanity.  Many descriptors are used rather than each having specific meaning unto themselves.

v.4 – There are 24 other thrones – It is unknown who these elders are – there is much speculation.

            - the best explanation is that these are angelic beings appointed by God

            - white robes – represent purity and holiness

            - gold crowns – not just the Olympic wreath of victory – these represent royalty

            - worship and adore God continuously

            - perfect worship – heavenly beings who are representatives of the faithful

v.5 – God is King – From the throne came:

            - flashes of lightening                 |           awesome power & majesty of God

            - rumblings                               }          reminiscent of Mt. Sinai – Ex. 19:16 ff  

            - peals of thunder                      |           Theophany – The presence of God manifest

O.T. God reveals Himself often in dramatic activity of nature.

Rev. – lightening/thunder are used at each important event – announcement

“the seven spirits” – or seven-fold Spirit – the Holy Spirit (7 – perfection, completeness)

v.6 – Before the throne – “what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal”

            - symbolism – very highly esteemed – used to pave the royal court of a wealthy king

            - clear glass is very rare in this time period – only royalty – unimaginable splendor

            - the throne centered and set upon this “sea”

            - adds to the majesty and awe of the throne vision

            - reflects the lightening and colors and everything that occurs

            - waters of creation story come to mind – chaos – now peace – glass, clear

            - the perfect present of God – Holiness of God

Ezek 1:22 – Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was what looked like an expanse, sparkling like ice, and awesome.  NIV

-         sea of glass – separateness of God from His creation – none can approach as we are

-         Living Creatures – sound familiar? – Is. 6:1 ff – seraphs & Ezek. 1:4-14.

John combines familiar images of the O.T. apocalyptic to create a new image or symbol.

Worship leaders – encircle the throne – leading all present to worship Him. 

Closeness to God – at the center of the throne – they attend God – “eyes” – all-seeing (Ez. 2:2,20)

v.7 - Ezek 1:10 – Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a man, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle.  NIV    These beings had four faces each – Rev. beings have one face, but four creatures.

The faces of the beings – may represent the best of each species.  They could be the mightiest.

The Noblest, Strongest, Wisest, and Swiftest – in nature.

v.8 – here again the mention of eyes – all seeing – an important aspect of these beings

Praise to God is offered continually.

The song they sing – Is. 6:3 – the same as the seraph’s song - Isa 6:3

"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;

the whole earth is full of his glory."

John’s world was rampant with evil – all powerful, but here the song declares Holiness first – God alone is Holy and all powerful – the LORD Almighty.  The key word is repeated Holy, Holy, Holy for impact and effectiveness to get the point across.  He is separate, pure, holy – Almighty.

Real power and authority belongs to the Holy God – not the present evil.  It is, and has always been, and always will be that way. 

God’s power and eternal being ensures that holiness triumphs over evil – they need to hear this.

v.9-10 – Continuous praise and worship of God – glory, honor, thanksgiving to Him.

Trickle effect – beings – elders – representatives of the people – and then it all starts over again.

A Continuous cascade of praise to God – the Holy One – the LORD Almighty.

A sign of true homage – only God is worthy – they all take a low place – prostrate beore the Eternal Awesome God.  Nothing they have – position, possessions, nothing – is theirs.  Everything is laid before the throne even their very beings.

v.11 – “You are worthy” – worth-ship to God

            “thanks” in v.9 is replaced with “power” here

Power to create all things belongs to God alone.

God has not abandoned them (John’s audience) – or the world – It is His – He made everything for His own purposes – Evil is NOT in control – God’s will and purpose stands.

This is the message John’s hearers and readers need to hear as they prepare to face horrifying times.  This is the message we need to hear as we prepare to face horrifying times.  We may not face martyrdom or torture, but we all face, or will face testing of our faith, and we must have the reality of the sovereignty of God in our minds and hearts.  Our fate is secure in Him who created all things and has a purpose