11/14/14- Vision of Heaven- Rev. 4

1After 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.” 2At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.4Surrounding 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. 5From 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^a of God. 6Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. (Revelation 4) 

Thoughts: Heaven was opened to John.  He saw the rare sight (to us) of God on the throne.  Even Moses, who asked to see this, didn't get to see this.
     What John saw was beyond beautiful.  It is a similar vision as commonly described by those who have had near death experiences.  There is color, beauty.  John uses the prettiest things he has seen- precious gems, rare jewels, colorful rainbows to describe what he saw in heaven.  But such words while perhaps a true approximation are just an approximation.  Heaven is beautiul, and is described as such.  God is not only awesome in beauty but He is also awesome in power.  The pagan god-king, Zeus (Jupiter) held thunderbolts in his hands.  Thunder and lightning are great images of power.  God is on the throne.  He sees all and is powerful enough to help.  By faith we can put our trust in the One who is on the throne. 

Prayer: Lord, may I trust in your awesome power.