
π March 29, 2025
π DAILY BIBLE READING
β¨ Revelation 4 β The Heavenly Throne Scene
π― The Worship of God as Creator and Lord of All
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π Bible Text β Revelation 4 (KJV)
1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
2Β And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
3Β And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
4Β And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5Β And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
6Β And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
7Β And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
8Β And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy,Β LordΒ God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
9Β And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
10Β The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11Β Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
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π΅ Introduction
After the letters to the seven churches, John is taken up into a new vision in Revelation 4: he sees heaven itself opened. The scene shifts from earth to the heavenly throne roomβa majestic portrayal of Godβs glory, power, and the worship due to Him as Creator and Lord. This chapter pulses with praise, rich symbolism, and the central message: God sits enthroned, holy, eternal, and almightyβworthy of all worship.
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π‘ Commentary
1.The Open Door to Heaven (vv. 1β2)
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John is invited to view future events from the heavenly perspective.
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The trumpet-like voice signifies divine authority and revelation.
2.The Throne of God (vv. 2β3)
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Godβs glory is described in precious stonesβjaspis (jasper), sarder (sardius), and an emerald-like rainbowβsymbols of His holiness, purity, and covenant faithfulness.
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The rainbow recalls Godβs steadfast mercy and covenant promise (cf. Genesis 9).
3.The Twenty-Four Elders (v. 4)
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Likely representing the full people of God (e.g., the twelve tribes of Israel plus the twelve apostles).
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Their white garments and golden crowns signify purity and royal authority.
4.Lightning, Thunder, and the Seven Spirits (v. 5)
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Echoing Sinai, they declare Godβs majestic presence and righteous judgment.
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The seven lamps of fire represent the sevenfold Spirit of Godβthe fullness of the Holy Spirit.
5.The Glassy Sea and the Four Living Creatures (vv. 6β8)
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The crystal-like sea symbolizes purity and unbroken peace before God.
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The four creaturesβlion, calf, man, eagleβembody the fullness of creation: strength, service, intelligence, and transcendence. Their many eyes denote constant vigilance and full knowledge.
6.Worship and Praise (vv. 8β11)
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The triadic βHoly, holy, holyβ proclaims Godβs absolute otherness and purity.
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The elders casting their crowns before the throne express total surrender and worship.
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Central to the vision is the praise of God as Creator: βYou created all things, and because of Your will they existed and were created.β
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π’ Summary
Revelation 4 unveils Godβs sovereign reign at the center of heaven. Every creatureβangelic beings, elders, living creaturesβfocuses on the enthroned Creator. This vision reminds us that God is the sovereign Lord over history and all creation, the source and end of all worship. It lays the foundation for the unfolding end-time events by emphasizing His ultimate authority.
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π΄ Application for Today
In the midst of the worldβs turmoil, we can rest in the truth that God reigns supreme on His throne. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all, worthy of our highest worship. Revelation 4 calls us to lay our crownsβour achievements, possessions, and statusβbefore Him in humble adoration. Now is the time to join the heavenly chorus: to honor Him, find security in His power, and derive our identity as His creatures and worshipers.
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π March 23β29, 2025
π WEEKLY READING: THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY
π Ellen White | Steps to Christ β Chapter 10
β¨ A Knowledge of God
π Read online here
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π΅ Introduction
Chapter 10 is a profound call to recognize Godβs nature, work, and love in creation, in His Word, and in our own lives. The created world, the Scriptures, and the influence of the Holy Spirit are three primary channels through which God reaches us. This reflection invites us to ponder Godβs glory and to come to know Him more deeply.
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π‘ Commentary
1.God Revealed in Nature
Nature continually speaks of its Creator. Those with open hearts and attentive ears can hear Godβs voice in creation. Jesusβ parables drawn from the natural world show how closely heaven and earth are linked. Nature is not merely for admiration but serves as teacher and mediator between God and humanity.
2.Godβs All-Encompassing Care
From the vast universe to the sparrow, from the palace to the simple mealβGodβs gaze rests on every detail. This omnipresent love frees us from fear and leads us into deep rest.
3.A Glorious Future
The beauty we see now is only a faint reflection of what God has prepared for those who love Him. The hope of a world without sin and death brings comfort and perspective.
4.The Bible as Source of Knowledge
God speaks to us through His Word, where Christ is revealed. The Holy Spirit enables us to understand these truths. Scripture is clear, accessible, and meant for everyone. But it is not superficial reading that yields insight, but deep, prayerful study.
5.The Wordβs Impact on Our Lives
Just as natural food strengthens the body, so Godβs Word strengthens our spiritual life. Meditation, prayer, and the Holy Spirit work together to transform our character and make us more like Christ.
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π’ Summary
God reveals Himself in many waysβthrough nature, through His Word, and through the Holy Spirit. Those who are willing to listen will recognize His voice. The Bible stands as the clearest expression of His will. Only through earnest study, prayer, and humility can we truly grasp Godβs nature. His love is evident in His care for the smallest and the greatest alike. Reflecting on these truths leads to the transformation of our hearts.
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π΄ Message for Today
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Be attentive to Godβs voice in nature and in daily life.
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Set aside time for Godβs Word and study it with devotion.
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Ask the Holy Spirit for understanding and guidance.
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Let Godβs care comfort and direct you.
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Live with an eye on the glory yet to come.
Knowing God is not secret knowledge but an invitation to relationship. Those who seek will find; those who listen will understand; those who believe will be transformed.