+INTRODUCTION
One of the central themes of the book of Revelation is ‘the throne of God’. It appears more in this book than any other New Testament literature.
The throne in 1st century culture depicted the highest place of honor, greatness and power, and those who sat on the throne were viewed as possessing all authority. In chapter four, John is allowed to see who really occupies the the Ultimate Throne. It’s no surprise to discover that neither Caesar nor the Antichrist are adequate rivals. In this vision, John is overwhelmed by a myriad of sights + sounds as he sees things that he never dreamed of even existing.
In the presence of the manifold beauties of God, worship and song appear to be as commonplace as taking a breath. Not only do these four glorious and peculiar creatures worship, so do these twenty-four elders/rulers, who do so by casting down their very crowns (which may represent their reward or honor).
The connection between “throne” and “worship” cannot be missed.…
Not only was John like a younger brother to Jesus, a disciple whom Jesus loved (Jn 13:23), but he was also a very good pastor. John had made it his central aim to help the churches, whom he cared for, to know & worship, Jesus. Every good pastor/bible study leader should also make this their goal. John knew that the most important thing which would equip and sustain the members of the churches to whom he was writing, who were suffering tribulation (Rev 1:9), was to have an understanding of Jesus in His present glorified and victorious state.
Many believers have an outdated picture of Jesus in their mind. The ideas most people think of when considering Jesus is either: a vulnerable baby in a manger or, a weak, tortured and crucified human. Yet the reality is, Jesus was only weak and humiliated for around 33 years. Prior to his incarnation (becoming a man) Jesus was honored + glorified, and subsequently after his death, resurrection he ascended back into heaven where He reentered…
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