“Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and the One sat on the throne.” Revelation 4:2
Dear Ones:
With reference to that which is eternal, seen by faith, it is of far greater significance and power than that which see in the natural world. John the Apostle was an old man when he wrote the book of the Revelation. He had seen a lot in his life. In speaking of his experience with the Lord Jesus when He was on earth, he wrote: “…That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life…” (1 Jn.1:1) John’s experience of knowing Christ when He was on this earth, was very real, even from a physical standpoint. But what we see in the book of the Revelation, not only enhances the meaning and essence of the enormity of knowing Christ, but almost eclipses what was known before. John was there when Christ was crucified on the cross. Here in Revelation, he sees Him receive His inheritance in heaven, and hears the eternal praise of all the redeemed from every tribe, tongue, and nation. Why did God give this vision to John, and why was it first sent to the seven churches of Asia?
The first part of that answer has to do with a “vision,” and its purpose. In speaking of visions, we are not talking about what man contrives in his mind and heart concerning that which is invisible, and perhaps “spiritual.” We are talking about the revelation of Jesus Christ in truth, according to His word, by the Spirit. The true vision is that perception of spiritual reality that we do not see with our natural eye. When Paul wrote to the Galatians that God chose, “…to reveal His Son in me” (1:16), he was speaking of the perception of the spiritual reality of Christ dwelling in his heart. This knowledge would be essential if his faith was to lay hold on God for all that was necessary to fulfill his calling, “…to preach Him (Christ) among the heathen.” (v. 16) For Paul, as well as every believer in Christ, the “vision,” or revelation of Christ in truth, is essential to faith, and the appropriation of Him for all things.
The second part of the answer to the question of why the revelation of Christ was given in this manner, has to do with “magnitude” and “mercy.” How so? Approximately eight hundred years before John’s vision, Isaiah had his similar vision. It was of God, seated upon a throne. The prophet, as well as the apostle, both are transported in their thoughts and hearts to heights of knowledge they have never known before. The magnitude of the scene of the Almighty God in heaven, sovereign and all powerful, possessing all authority, is for both men overwhelming. However, this knowledge is essential to their faith, if they would go higher, farther, and finish well their course, or lives. The other aspect of the reason for this vision has to do with the mercy of God, for in that vision, man is so very small. He is also so very “other” than God, for God is perfectly holy, and man by nature is not. It is there in the greatness of the vision of God, that we see “a Lamb,” the Redeemer of all men, who is still bearing the scars of His sacrifice on Calvary. He is eternally being praised by the redeemed of all ages, for His incalculable worth.
Dear Father, open our eyes and give us a “higher” vision of Thyself on Thy throne, and of the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world. Grant that there shall arise in our hearts, as we worship You and the Lamb, according to Your word, that faith in Your sovereign, almighty power as God, and your mercy which you have chosen to bestow on all men everywhere, if they will believe. We thank and praise Thee in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad