[John receives a wonderful invitation and experiences a taste of the “Rapture”.] “After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” AT ONCE I WAS IN THE SPIRIT, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.” (Rev. 4:1-2) [The description here points out the surrounding glory and magnificence than the person of the almighty King!] “And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads.” (Rev. 4:3-4) [These are after the princes of the twenty-four courses of the Jewish priests which ministered at the tabernacle and the temple, at first appointed by David. They were wearing the garments of the priests.] “From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back.” (Rev. 4:5-6) [Four living creatures or four animals. The word beast is very unfittingly used here and elsewhere in this description. Wiclif first used it, and translators in general have followed him in this coarse rendering.] “Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “YOU ARE WORTHY, OUR LORD AND GOD, TO RECEIVE GLORY AND HONOR AND POWER, for YOU CREATED ALL THINGS, AND BY YOUR WILL THEY WERE CREATED AND HAVE THEIR BEING.” (Rev. 4:9-11) [This of course is an acknowledgement of the INFINITE SUPREMACY OF GOD, and that these have derived their being and their blessings FROM HIM ALONE. This is a reference to the custom of adorations in the east, and to the reverence of insignificant kings acknowledging the supremacy of the almighty King. Just think, one day this will be us as long as we are faithful!] “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (Jam 1:12)
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that WE WILL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE ON THAT DAY [SOON]! -Bill Stockham