Look!
Over the past several weeks, we have listened-in on Jesus’ messages to seven churches in Greco-Roman Asia, recorded in Revelation chapters 2 & 3. We are going to stay in Revelation for another week and peek through the door of heaven. The Scripture for this Sunday is Revelation chapters 4 & 5. Take some time this week and read these chapters. As you do, take some time to reflect on what others have seen in this text.
For Reflection:
“Revelation 4 and 5 belong together. Together they constitute visions of heaven that clear and sharpen our visions of earth…While sitting on the rock pile on Patmos Jesus Christ pulls back the curtain, opens the door and gives John a picture to help him understand what is going on right now in that other dimension, which, like radio waves, intersects and pervades this dimension.” Darrell Johnson
“It is immensely significant that, when John peeped through the open door, the very first thing he saw was a throne, symbol of the sovereignty, majesty and kingly rule of God.” John Stott
“The biblical idea of sovereignty must be sharply distinguished from philosophical notions which have made this general concept untenable particularly for those of a sensitive conscience who rightly perceive that arbitrary power excludes vicarious identification or suffering love.” Donald Bloesch
“This is perhaps the most mind-wrenching ‘rebirth of images’ in literature. The slot in the system reserved for the lion has been filled by the Lamb of God.” Eugene Boring
“In popular culture, one conquers through strength…The mythos of strength is evident in our naming of sports teams after violent animals like lions and falcons. Even patriotic Christian schools use names like crusaders and eagles. It would be rare for teams to be named after lambs or the suffering servants! Yet Revelation makes it clear that the Christian conquers through the power of suffering.” John Yeatts
“One of the roots of violence is worship without sacrifice.” Gandhi
What do you see as you peer through the door of heaven?