Reading: Revelation 4:1 - 5:14

This is a long text, but I think that it’s important for it to be read altogether. And at the very start, the first thing John gets to see in heaven is the throne room of God. It’s a reminder that the revelation he’s having is not so much a how things are going to happen, or a when things are going to happen—the revelation is about a Who. Who’s in charge of all that’s going to happen?

Additionally we learn at the onset it’s Jesus who invites John in. In other words, if you believe in a historical Jesus, then you must believe there is an actual heaven. To be clear, it’s Jesus who, in John 6:38 says, “I’m the One who came down from heaven.” Ok? So point 1. This is a literal place that John has been invited in to by Jesus. 

Now. What does John see? Well. The primary rule for interpretation is: the plain thing is the main thing. So don’t get caught up in the thrones and the carnelian, and the creatures…(although a somewhat fun exercise is to put these descriptors in Grok and have him draw you a picture)…but on the most basic level, if we could summarize the text in one sentence, it would be: John sees God the Father being worshipped.

Now. Here’s the problem. When I say, “worship” almost everyone is going to think, “singing”. Because that’s what all the “Christian radio” stations call themselves. A worship station. But worship is so much more than just singing. Mainly worship is an act of attention.

So the question John is wanting us all to consider is: what are you giving your attention to? Do you recognize that as worship in your life? Once you’ve recognized it, you’re asked to consider: (in light of the One who is on the throne) is that thing that has your attention worth your worship?

With Gratitude,

pLJ