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1. One Sitting on the Throne (Revelation 4:1-3)
The Prophet is Called Anew: John heard the angel speak to him a second time with a voice like a trumpet (Revelation 1:1.10). The booming voice of the angel shook him deep in his heart. The seer experienced a second call which was based on the first call. This advanced vision was to give him further knowledge in transcendental dimensions. The angel called out to him, "Come up here to the open door! Have a look into the hidden eternity and see from the threshold who God is and what he wants to reveal you. Mysteries of the near and far future are to be told to you“.
Moses went up to Mount Horeb on the occasion of making the covenant so as to meet the glory of God in the thick darkness (Exodus 20:21).
In the book of Revelation of Jesus Christ ascending has not a geographical meaning. Heaven is a spiritual place outside of time and space. It includes the centre of power. In heaven all is light, spirit, and love.
John was standing at the entrance of the Holy of the Holiest. He was not able to move about freely in heaven and to talk with the creator, but he was dependent on the leading revelation angel. The time of his homecoming to his Father had not yet come.
Yet the angel was to show him, what must take place when Jesus will have reformed his church. Presence and future are connected very tightly in eternity. Judgments are consequences of the past. The time of the church will come to an end, and we will inescapably face the birth pangs of the Last Time. The angel was commissioned to show and reveal the seer what must take place soon (Revelation 1:1). This godly must in the course of history has its roots in the holiness and love of God. His justice is unerring.
God is not only the Almighty, but also the All-Wise and All-Knowing. He knows the history of the nations and men beforehand, even though he does not force anybody to do His will. He is calling and commanding, luring and threatening, but he does not enslave anybody. God wants us to be his children, but not his slaves. His love and holiness are the driving forces of history. The devotion of those who love him and the rebellion of those who are ungrateful are contributing parameters of upcoming developments.
Do you want to enter heaven or remain outside far from God? Where is your final home? Are you prepared for your last transfer?
PRAYER: Thank You, Heavenly Father, for calling John to witness the mysteries of heaven. Help us not to neglect Your calling us to serve You and strengthen us to do Your holy will.
QUESTION:
- What was the reason for calling John the Divine?