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| Order Of Worship (Liturgy) Song of Adoration: Hymnal #230 “Holy! Holy! Holy!” Song of Confession: Hymnal #51C:1-5 “God, Be Merciful to Me” *Song of Preparation: Hymnal #229 “Holy God, We Praise Your Name” Scripture Passage: Revelation 4 Message: Holy! Holy! Holy! *Song of Response: Hymnal #164 “God Himself Is with Us” *Doxology: Hymnal #9B:1 “Wholehearted Thanksgiving” |
Dear Congregation of the Lord Jesus Christ,
If you have been to an airport before, you know that there is a lot going on. People are moving here and there. Buses, carts, cars, and trucks are moving here and there. People are directing large airplanes with batons. It seems a bit chaotic looking out of a terminal window. A number of years ago, I was able to go up into the control tower (one benefit of having a parishioner who was an air traffic controller). Then you get the lay of the land. You get the bird’s eye view of the goings on of an airport. This is especially the case when you hear the controllers telling planes they are clear for landing and take off.
In Revelation 4, we are entering the control tower of the universe. For the rest of the book of Revelation John will have this unique privilege to witness things, in some way, from a heavenly perspective. The 7 churches have been addressed in this circular letter and now the rest of this book is for them. It will be a word of comfort to remind them, that ultimately, it isn’t a Roman emperor who sits on the ultimate throne. It is God almighty. This is a book of comfort for us. Having a holy and sovereign God on the throne might not be the best news if it was not for the fact that we call this almighty God by another name: Father.
Our theme is Our God is glorified in heaven for this sovereignty and majesty.
- Heavenly Throne-Room (v. 1-3)
- Heavenly Worshippers (v. 4-7)
- Heavenly Worship (v. 8-11)
I. Heavenly Throne-Room (v. 1-3)
Chapter 4 begins the second cycle of 7 visions in Revelation. Remember, that each of these visions, which really are one extended visions from a different angle, are dealing with the same period of time. The time of Christ’s ascension to heaven and his second coming. It is as if a diamond is being held up to the Apostle John and after looking at it, it is rotated slightly to change the perspective of appreciation. We are not building chronologically, but thematically. Chapter 4 is important, in part, because it is John’s entry into the heavenly temple or throne room. The temple of God will be a theme we will see through the rest of the book. Eventually, the heavenly temple will come down to earth, and God will dwell with man forever.
Our text begins in verse 1. Here John hears the voice he heard back in chapter 1. It is the voice of Jesus. Jesus invites John to enter a door which is open in heaven. Notice what Jesus says to John, “I will show you what must take place after this.” The events for the remainder of Revelation, though deeply rooted in the Old Testament, speak of what will take place in the future.
John is taken, in verse 2, in the Spirit, into God’s heavenly temple. This likely means John did not physically go into heaven, but he saw this as a vision. This vision is going to be centered upon a throne. John is going to see many thrones in this vision, but it is one that is unique among them all. More importantly however, is the one who is seated on the throne. The description that is going to follow is going to bring to the readers mind the glory, majesty, and sovereignty of the king. He is indescribable. John does not attempt to describe the one who sits on the throne. This throne is going to be pivotal in Revelation. 17 times in chapters 4 and 5 throne is used. But it is God’s throne that is central. It is from that throne that God brings forth judgment and mercy. No matter what, God is on the throne as the one who is sovereign over the universe.
This moves John to describe the throne with beautiful imagery. He mentions jasper and carnelian. These are previous gemstones of the day, even included in the priest's ephod. They are many colored, often red, the other opaque, as an uncut diamond. The shimmering stones represent God’s glory.
Around the throne was a rainbow. Think of a full 360 degree rainbow, often only seen from an airplane today. This circles the throne calling to mind the flood of Noah and God’s promise in Gen. 9. It was that rainbow that showed God’s love amidst judgment. Since God is a spirit and cannot be described, John is using language to evoke awe and majesty.
This vision has elements borrowed from the Old Testament. Ezekiel 1 and 2, Zechariah 4, Isaiah 6, Daniel 2. It is a vision of God’s glory and majesty. Who can comprehend it? John is shown this glorious vision, and yet we can do nothing more than bow before the one who sits on the throne in worship. God is indescribable and his ways are beyond our ways.
Remember that when you seek to make sense of the things of this world. We have many questions regarding why bad things happen, why disease, why tragedy, why this and why that? God tells us some things, but we must be humble to know and accept that many things are beyond us. Sometimes in tragedy people come to their pastor and they ask why did this happen? Sometimes we don’t know. But, we do know that it is before the throne of grace we should empty our hearts and burdens.
II. Heavenly Worshippers
Verses 1-3 described God’s glory and now we see the glory around the throne is recorded. In verse 4, we see 24 more thrones and seated on those thrones are 24 elders. Probably the biggest debate about this chapter is the identity of the 24 elders. Are these men who have died or are these angels. Good men come down on either side of the debate. I come down on the side that these are men. These are saints who represent the whole church. The 12 Old Testament patriarchs and the 12 New Testament apostles. Whether John was one of them, we cannot know. Maybe Paul took his place. (Read Rev. 21:12-13). These elders are distinguished from angels in 5:11 and 7:11. The Bible never uses the word “elders” to refer to angels. What we have here is the entire church from Eden on represented by the 24 elders. They are clothed in white garments, just like the multitude in Rev. 7 whose clothes were cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus, symbolizing purity.
They wore golden crowns on their heads. That means that they are victorious. These worshippers are there as evidence of God’s grace. He permits these creatures into his throne room is a testimony of God’s unfailing love.
Another truth about the throne is mentioned in verse 5. This calls to mind the events surrounding Mt. Sinai. Thunder and lightning, the loudest and scariest things of the day. This is because nuclear bombs or frankly any bombs. This is another reminder of God’s holiness. He is described in unapproachable light, now we have these glorious colors shining out, we have thunder and lightning. We have the Holy Spirit, here called the “seven spirits of God.” That could be translated as “seven-fold Spirit of God.”
Next we see something like a sea of glass or crystal. What could this refer to? There are three main options. It could refer to the temple sea or laver that was in the courtyard before the temple. It could refer to the Red Sea. This would work in the context of the thunder and lightning as the Israelites then came to Mt. Sinai. Or it could be spiritually showing a separateness of God from his people. God always remains God. Elements of teach of these can be understood. The point of the vision remains, the one who is seated on the throne is holy and sovereign.
As we work our way closer to the throne we read of 4 living creatures. Older translations have beasts. They are full of eyes in front and behind. They see what takes place. These are angelic spirits, likely archangels who do the Lord’s bidding. The description of each gives us a glimpse into their importance. They are going to reflect God’s rule over all creation. You might remember in Ezekiel 1, the creatures had four faces each. Now, in our vision, we see each creature with a unique face. One had the face of a lion. Lions are the king of beasts, showing mobility. An ox was the strongest of domesticated animals, showing power. The face of a man shows God’s intelligence and purpose. Finally, the creature with the face of an eagle shows God’s majesty, speed, and protection. The geese on the pond by my house are on high alert when an eagle is around.
These four living creatures have six wings each, instead of 4 in Ez. 1. Their purpose is clearly at least two-fold here. They represent the majesty and power of God, and they lead in worship. Verse 8 says they never cease to say: Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.” They are worshipping day and night. A three fold holy, a three fold name “Lord, God, Almighty” a three fold existence, “who was and is and is to come.” De Gelder says of this, “…this song of glorious exaltation of our Triune God reaches the highest and ultimate climax of heavenly beauty.” The holiness of which these four creatures sing of shows God separateness and uniqueness in all things. Compared to God’s holiness, no one is holy. God’s heavenly temple is filled with worship.
III. Heavenly Worship (v. 8-11)
We see in verse 8 this song sung by the four living creatures. Now in verse 9 we see the result of that heavenly worship and it is more worship. The 24 fall down before the throne to worship. They cast their crowns down before the throne, for their victory is nothing but of grace. Even the crown and the authority they have to sit upon the thrones is derived from God himself. The heavenly temple, the dwelling place of God is reserved for worship. After all, isn’t that why God made all things?
Read verse 11 and see what they sing. They focus on giving God glory for his creation. God is the one who created this heavenly choir. Some never experienced the world of sin, others did. It is not entirely clear if the four creatures join the 24 elders in the same song. But, one thing is certain, all in heaven exist to give glory to God. We see this language in verse 9 and 11. What do we mean by the glory of God?
In the Old Testament, glory refers to the essential aspect that makes up something. The root word for glory is weight or heaviness. So, the glory of a person is their collective weight or essence. It is what drives them. For some it could be money, careers, politics, sex, children, image, etc. Glory refers to someone’s essence, what they are all about. So, what does this mean for God? Remember Moses asked God if he could see his glory in Ex. 33. Read Ex. 33:18-19. Notice that God responds to his glory with the language of his goodness. God’s glory is his goodness.
Heaven is filled with God’s glory as a shining light. The glory of the father is shown through the son. You see, the Son testified of the glory of the father, the Spirit testified in John 16:4 to the glory of the Son. The glory of God shines forth and it has always been this way. In Ez. 1:27 there was brightness all around the throne. The glory of the Lord shown to the shepherds in Luke 2:9. On the Mt. of Transfiguration Jesus face shone like the Son, and his clothes as white as light.” From the beginning of the chapter to the end, the glory of God is in sight. And this is where we come in.
The Westminster Confession begins by asking Q. What is the chief end of man? A. To glorify God and enjoy him forever. This is our call and purpose. The presence of God in the Bible was symbolized in showing forth awe. The temple and tabernacle were pictures of God’s presence. Now John is getting a glimpse of the real thing. The picture we receive is one of a glorious God reigning on the throne. His servants are there, his messengers are there, representatives from the church are there all for the purpose of bringing him glory. But the day is coming where we shall behold him face to face. (II Cor. 3:18)
So, what do we take away from a text like this? A few things.
First, reflect upon the holiness of God. Our access to him is always through Christ. His throne of grace is also a throne of judgement…there are thunder and lightning. God is not to be trifled with. Even the son of the King must respect that office. Think of this when you worship. Reflect on this as you prepare for the Lord’s Supper. Think of God’s holiness in light of your sin. God is so holy, the 24 elders fall on their faces before him. God is not our chum or buddy, even to speak of friendship with God we are not referring to an equal.
Second, remember that we do not have the control tower view of all things that happen in this life. Some events make sense to us. We know something of God’s purposes. We can also see that God turns bad into God for his purposes. But this does not mean we know why everything happens for what purpose. We don’t have all the answers to all the questions. Our understanding is limited. Be humbled by this.
Third, come to the Lord continually to find your life. In the next chapter the Lamb worthy to open the seals is introduced. He has been slain. That is our access to God. In verse 1, it was the voice of Jesus that which told John, “come up here and I will show you what must take place after this.” Hear the voice of the shepherd-Lamb. He says, “come, to me.” Not to the throne room in heaven, yet, but come to him in faith and find in him your life. The blessings of heeding his call are glorious, lasting, and free.
Here in Rev. 4 we receive a glimpse into God’s very throne room. It is a place of worship to the triune God who is holy and powerful, and sovereign. From the throne is where he reigns and it is to that throne that we come in worship. “God himself is with us, let us now adore him.” Stanza 3, “O thou fount of blessing, purify my spirit, trusting only in thy merit, like the holy angels who behold they glory, may I ceaselessly adore thee, and in all, great and small, seek to do most nearly what thou lovest dearly.” Amen.
* As a matter of courtesy please advise Rev. Steven Swets, if you plan to use this sermon in a worship service. Thank-you.
(c) Copyright 2025, Rev. Steven Swets
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