March 29, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Offenbarung Chapter 4

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.

² And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

³ 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.

⁴ 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.

⁵ 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.

⁶ 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.

⁷ 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.

⁸ 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, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

⁹ And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

¹⁰ 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,

¹¹ 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.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

🟦 Introduction

Revelation 4 marks the transition from the letters to the churches (chapters 2–3) to the heavenly perspective that is shown to John in visions. This chapter symbolically opens the view into heaven, to God’s very throne. It not only displays a majestic scene but also reveals central truths about God’s nature, His reign, and the worship He receives in heaven.

🟨 Commentary

1.The Open Door and the Invitation (v. 1)
John sees an open door in heaven—a symbol of revelation and an invitation into the divine realm. The voice (like a trumpet—cf. chapter 1,10) calls him to “ascend”: a transition from the earthly to the heavenly.

2.The Vision of the Throne (v. 2–3)
In the spirit, John sees God’s throne—the center of heaven. The description of God (“like jasper and carnelian”) points to glory and holiness. The rainbow symbolizes mercy and faithfulness (cf. God’s covenant with Noah).

3.The Elders (v. 4)
The 24 elders likely symbolize the united community of the redeemed (12 tribes of Israel + 12 apostles). Their white garments and crowns represent righteousness and the victory through Christ.

4.Power and Holiness (v. 5–6)
Thunder and lightning indicate God’s power and judgment (cf. Sinai). The seven golden lamps are a representation of the Holy Spirit. The glassy sea stands for purity, clarity, and exaltation.

5.The Four Living Creatures (v. 6b–8)
These symbolic beings represent the entire creation in its diversity and vitality (lion = wild animals, calf = domestic animals, man = humanity, eagle = birds). Their many eyes suggest knowledge and vigilance. Their constant worship emphasizes God’s holiness.

6.Eternal Worship (v. 9–11)
The elders fall down and lay their crowns aside—a demonstration of complete submission to God’s rule. They praise God as the Creator, through whose will everything came into being. Worship of God is at the center of heaven.

🟩 Summary

Revelation 4 opens the view to God’s throne and heavenly worship. John is taken into heaven and sees a throne surrounded by radiant glory, elders, and symbolic beings. They ceaselessly worship God and acknowledge His holiness, omnipotence, and creative authority. Everything in heaven is oriented toward God’s throne—the center of power, honor, and worship.

🟥 Message for Us Today

1.God sits on the throne—He has everything under control.
In a world full of uncertainties, this vision reminds us that God reigns sovereignly. Our lives, our future, and history are in His hands.

2.Worship is not secondary.
Heaven is filled with worship—not as an obligation, but as a response to God’s nature. Our lives should also be an act of daily worship through words, actions, and trust.

3.God’s holiness is awe-inspiring.
The ceaseless worship of “Holy, holy, holy” calls us to reverence before God—an antidote to our often superficial relationship with Him.

4.We are invited to partake.
Like John, we too may look through the “open door.” The Bible invites us to access the heavenly throne through Christ (Hebrews 4:16).

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 10—A Knowledge of God
Read online here

Commentary

🟦 Introduction

Chapter 10 is a profound call to recognize God’s nature, actions, and love in creation, in His Word, and in our own lives. Creation, the Word of God, and the influence of the Holy Spirit are three central ways in which God connects with us. This reflection invites us to contemplate God’s glory and to know Him more deeply.

🟨 Commentary

1.God Reveals Himself in Nature
Nature constantly speaks of its Creator. Whoever has an open heart and a listening ear can hear the voice of God in creation. Jesus’ parables drawn from nature show how closely heaven and earth are connected. Nature is not only meant to be admired but also to be a teacher and a mediator between God and humanity.

2.God’s Care Is All-Encompassing
From the universe to the sparrow, from the palace to the simplest meal – God’s gaze rests on everyone. This all-embracing love is meant to free us from fear and lead us into deep peace.

3.The Glory to Come
The beauty we now see 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 a Source of Knowledge
God speaks to us through His Word. In it, Christ is revealed. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand these truths. Scripture is clear, accessible, and intended for everyone. But it is not surface reading, rather deep study that brings true understanding.

5.The Effect of the Word on Our Lives
Just as natural food strengthens the body, the Word of God strengthens our spiritual life. Meditation, prayer, and the Holy Spirit work together to transform our character and make us more like Christ.

🟩 Summary

God reveals Himself in many ways – through nature, through His Word, and through the Holy Spirit. Those who are willing to listen will recognize His voice. The Bible is the clearest expression of His will. Only through deep study, prayer, and humility can we truly grasp God’s nature. His love is evident in His care for both the smallest and the greatest. Reflecting on these truths leads to the transformation of our hearts.

🟥 Message for Us Today

• Be attentive to God’s voice in nature and in everyday life.

• Take time for God’s Word and study it with dedication.

• Ask the Holy Spirit for understanding and guidance.

• Let God’s care comfort and guide you.

• Live with your eyes fixed on the glory to come.

God’s knowledge is not secret wisdom but an invitation to relationship.
Whoever seeks will find. Whoever listens will understand. And whoever believes will be transformed.

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