DAY 16

The Throne of Heaven

‘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. 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.’ Revelation 4:3-6 (NIVUK)

Reflection

If ever you’ve visited a palace, the Throne Room is a necessary highlight to any good tour. It’s often gloriously decorated, ornate, with no expense spared. However, in these moments, it’s good to be reminded that earthly thrones and those who sit on them are nothing compared to the One seated on the heavenly throne. The One who sits there is majestic, radiating the brilliance and beauty of jasper and rubies. Around this throne, all creation orbits, with lightning and thunder emanating from it. This throne is not fragile or temporary, it is unshakable.

Also around the throne is a council of twenty-four elders, like a picture of a royal court. Many commentators agree that these likely represent the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, in the joining of the old and new. The descriptions of flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder, which are also found in other passages of scripture, symbolises that God is all powerful and that nothing can stand against Him. The One who created all things still holds all authority and power and will ultimately make all things new.

The seven lamps blazing are a reminder of our need for the Holy Spirit, illuminating everything we see, mirroring the Holy Place in Moses’ tabernacle, where there was no natural light. In front of the throne, we read about, ‘what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.’ (v.6). To understand this, it’s helpful to acknowledge that the waters of the sea were a common illustration for evil and chaos in creation stories. Just as we read in the Gospels, when Jesus walked the earth and His voice calmed the storm at sea, we see here in Revelation a stunning picture of still, calm water before the throne, depicting the ultimate victory over the storm. In a world of shifting powers, this is the anchor of Revelation – God reigns. The throne is not up for vote, is not subject to decay, and is not threatened by evil. Heaven is not worried and neither should you be. When God is at the centre of your vision, everything else takes its proper place; peace returns, priorities shift, and courage rises.

Devotional

by Annabel Sharman

 

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