Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Leviticus 26-27; Revelation 4
Devotional Thought:
In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul was allowed to see the heaven, the very abode of God, but was not allowed to comment on what he saw. Here in chapters four and five, John is allowed to describe the scene of heaven and the activities that were taking place. John saw the throne and the One who was sitting upon it. When Christ finished paying for sin, He sat down which was a picture of rest. However, here He is seated in a posture of reigning or impending judgment. The stones used to describe Christ are speaking of His majestic nature, mature brilliance, and masterful authority. A rainbow that speaks of Christ’s faithfulness to mercy and truth surrounds him. The twenty-four elders are human representatives of the church. These faithful men have been rewarded for their faithful service to God and are pictured as ruling and reigning with Him. They are robed in white, which pictures the righteousness of Christ, which was imputed to them at their salvation.
The four beasts “give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne who liveth for ever and ever.” (vs. 9) These beasts represent all wild animals, domestic animals, all flying creatures, and the climax of God’s creation in man. They are described as being completely alert to all the details going on around them. All of creation is aware of the magnitude and majesty of God. Their six wings speak of their worship to God as they cry “Holy, Holy, Holy…” continually day and night. Verse 10 reveals the humility of all creation as the church is pictured as falling down before the Lord and casting their crowns before Him in worship. There is none other worthy to receive such worship than the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Every picture, person, and program was created for God’s ultimate pleasure, and He alone deserves glory and honor. In our humanistic culture, we have exalted man on every front. Man is so concerned with getting his credit, his glory, his share, and his pleasure that we have forgotten our real purpose for being created. We are here and function for God alone to receive glory and honor. Anything man accomplishes, occupies, or accompanies is a direct revelation of God’s power. What a different atmosphere we would create if man would get in his rightful place and allow God to be exalted to His rightful place where He can enjoy all that He has created. “…For Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.” Oh that man would stop exalting man and start pointing people to Christ!
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to always acknowledge your rightful place. You are so gracious to allow me the privilege to participate in your program. I am so honored to be created for your pleasure.
• Lord, thank you for making heaven possible for me. I cannot wrap my mind around how precious and beautiful heaven will be. I am convinced of your power, position, and proclamations. I want to bow before you everyday in my heart before you and in my service to you.