Revelation 4. Revelation 3 ended with this familiar statement from Jesus, “Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him…” (3:20). Then chapter 4 opens with John saying, “Behold, I looked and a door was standing open in heaven!” (4:1) The door to heaven was open – and what did John see there?

[Side bar – When Muslims share stories of how a white-robed Jesus came to them in a dream to call them into a relationship with himself, the most common image consistently witnessed is that of a door. I think that’s fascinating! You can read “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” for more details.]

The veil is pulled back and John sees the throne room of heaven and God seated on the throne. We have this fantastic glimpse of what is going on in heaven! John will use the word “throne” forty-seven times in Revelation, so it’s worth noting as a theme of authority.

The picture of God in Revelation 4 is one as God the Creator who is worshipped by all living creatures with a song of “Worthy are you to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they existed and were created” (4:11).

John uses the best language he has to describe this most amazing throne room. He chooses imagery that his readers would have been familiar with already – throne room visitations from other Old Testament prophets in Ezekiel 1 and 10, Isaiah 6, and Daniel 7. It’s interesting to note that each of these apocalyptic visions of the throne room were similar in their awesomeness and the main themes. What stands out is that the atmosphere is one of worship to the Almighty God, and that He remains seated on his throne and ruling the universe calmly.

Imagine you are a member of the congregation in one of the seven churches John was writing to. You are enduring a difficult season of challenges and threats. Then you hear this vision that John had of the throne room in heaven with the Almighty God being worshipped. It would remind you of other throne room visits from Old Testament days long ago, and it should bring you a sense of the longevity of the Lord.

This heavenly vision is truly a message of affirmation and comfort. Though there be tribulation, God has not abandoned the world. It is his world – he has made all things and made them for his purposes. Yes, evil and suffering are real, but the Almighty God sits on his throne ruling over all things.

Take a moment today to listen to “Revelation Song” by Phillips, Craig, and Dean and let your heart be drawn into worship of our Creator God Almighty. Whatever you have going on in your life today, take comfort in knowing that He reigns from his throne.