He Who Sits on the Throne
When the Apostle John is given his revelation of heaven there is a large section of scripture that is focused on the activity going on around a throne. Consider these details:
“I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones - like jasper and carnelian” (Revelation 4:2-3). Chapter 4 continues with a remarkable descriptions filled with lightning and thunder, beings covered in eyes and with 6 wings, and 24 elders worshipping in unison.
Revelation 5 adds a Lamb standing near the throne (v.6) and thousands and millions of angels surrounding the throne (v.11).
In chapter 7 now there is a “vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb” (v.9).
What is important about this picture is now what all these say:
“Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne, and from the Lamb!” (7:10)
“…and they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God.” (7:11)
“That is why they stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will give them shelter.” (7:15)
All of these angels, beings, creatures, and people are before this throne and worshipping. Their actions are saying that he who sits on the throne deserves all praise, honor, worship, and glory. That he who sits on the throne has all authority and that he reigns over them. He who sits on the throne is ultimate in their life. John is seeing that God is the one who is sitting on the throne. Salvation comes through Him, worship is to Him, and all service is done for Him. God in response is looking after, caring for, and providing for all of the needs of those that turn to worshipping him.
There is a throne setup in everyone’s lives and someone or something is sitting on that throne. For you, is it success in your career, acceptance in relationships with others, obtaining lots of money, or experiencing as much pleasure as possible? Or is He who sits on the throne - the one who is the creator and ruler of the universe, who is as brilliant as gemstones, and who offers you ultimate salvation and shelter? Who is the one who sits on the throne that you worship?
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