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1 I saw another great and marvelous sign in the sky: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them God's wrath is finished. 2 I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.
I saw something like a sea of glass
Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the midst of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. (Revelation 4:6)
He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, as if it was a jasper stone, clear as crystal; (Revelation 21:10-11)
In Revelation this sea of glass is viewed from its top side, while in the Old Testament it is viewed from underneath. Consider the following descriptions of this same phenomenon.
He said to Moses, "Come up to Yahweh, you, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship from a distance. Moses alone shall come near to Yahweh, but they shall not come near, neither shall the people go up with him."
Moses came and told the people all the words of Yahweh, and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice, and said, "All the words which Yahweh has spoken will we do."
Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up. They saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was like a paved work of sapphire stone, like the skies for clearness. He didn't lay his hand on the nobles of the children of Israel. They saw God, and ate and drank. Yahweh said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain, and stay here, and I will give you the tables of stone with the law and the commands that I have written, that you may teach them." (Exodus 24:1-3, 9-12)
There was a voice above the expanse that was over their heads: when they stood, they let down their wings. Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and on the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man on it above. (Ezekiel 1:25-26)
Then I looked, and see, in the expanse that was over the head of the cherubim there appeared above them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. (Ezekiel 10:1)
Here are stories of Jesus that may provide hints as to the experience awaiting those who choose to stand on this sea of glass.
He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm. (Matthew 8:26)
He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up, and told him, "Teacher, don't you care that we are dying?" He awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:38-39)
I can easily imagine that this great calm was in such stark contrast to what had been experienced moments before, may have included a mirror smooth surface on the water surrounding the boat. Such a view would have been so serene to be mesmerizing, taking their breath away in silent wonder. With no breeze whatsoever it would have been impossible to sail anywhere, leaving them to row to shore. Yet even dipping the oars into the water making soft ripples on the surface might feel like disturbing the incredible peace now reflected in the glassy smooth lake reflecting vividly the dissipating clouds and the beautiful blue sky emerging above them.
This classic image of what peace looks and feels like is a reminder of what God intends for each of us to retain inside continually regardless of what circumstances may be around us. This scene illustrated the disposition of Jesus, yet it was maintained by daily connection at the heart level with the Father who reminded Christ of His true identity as His beloved Son. Now all of us are brought inside of Christ, meaning that this peace that insulated Jesus from every assault of fear on His soul, may be experienced by us as we choose to view every situation in light of His personal love and care for us just as He lived and rested trusting His Father.
Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments. (Psalms 119:164-166 KJV)
Keep in mind that the realities of heaven are presented through physical metaphors we can perceive in our sphere of 'reality.' This is helpful for appreciating important truths being presented in this book. However, we too often limit or even block heart access to incredible insights offered us in this prophetic book by imagining that things such the sea of glass or the Holy City of God, are merely physical things like we interact with on earth. The physical things we experience here are but an introduction, a glimpse into a more expansive life in the spirit realm we were created to experience in the presence of God. We are designed for much more than physical life here on earth. Yet the decisions we make within our material world serve to form our character that determines how we interact with the greater spiritual dimension that is more real than anything we can know here.
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. You heard how I told you, 'I go away, and I come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said 'I am going to my Father;' for the Father is greater than I. (John 14:26-28)
Jesus makes clear that the way we imagine achieving peace is woefully inadequate for defining the kind of deep inner peace needed that alone can stabilize us in times of crisis. The peace He displayed while walking calmly on top of turbulent waters tossed about in a raging storm threatening the lives of His disciples, was the same kind of peace He wanted them to experience with Him, and this is for us as well. This peace comes through keeping the heart and imagination focused on God's unwavering love and care for us, regardless of circumstances. Trust in God's heart and belief in and receiving His passionate love for us, is an anchor that alone can keep us in perfect peace in any and every situation. This is what I believe this sea of glass is intended to convey. The demonstration of physically being able to walk on top of raging waves free of all fear as if they were smooth as glass, is what describes how everyone trusting God may live as they enter into His rest.
In that day, this song will be sung in the land of Judah: "We have a strong city. God appoints salvation for walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter: the one which keeps faith. You will keep whoever's mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you. Trust in Yahweh forever; for in Yah, Yahweh, is an everlasting Rock.
For he has brought down those who dwell on high, the lofty city. He lays it low. He lays it low even to the ground. He brings it even to the dust. The foot shall tread it down; Even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy."
The way of the just is uprightness. You who are upright make the path of the righteous level. Yes, in the way of your judgments, Yahweh, have we waited for you. Your name and your renown are the desire of our soul. With my soul have I desired you in the night. Yes, with my spirit within me will I seek you earnestly; for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.
Let favor be shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness. In the land of uprightness he will deal wrongfully, and will not see Yahweh's majesty. Yahweh, your hand is lifted up, yet they don't see; but they will see your zeal for the people, and be disappointed. Yes, fire will consume your adversaries.
Yahweh, you will ordain peace for us, for you have also worked all our works for us. Yahweh our God, other lords besides you have had dominion over us, but by you only will we make mention of your name. (Isaiah 26:1-13)
The peace presented here as a sea of glass, is very different from the peace as defined by the world. We send weaponized troops to troubled regions of the world and call them peace-keepers. The world defines peace as the absence of war or physical fighting. But these are external descriptions that the world seeks to achieve, imagining that simply forcing symptoms to appear peaceful is success. Law enforcement attempts to restore peace by fining or incarcerating people who disturb the peace, but this often leads to broken families, poverty and more confusion. What the world does to achieve peace falls far short of the needed transformation for inner healing of the soul and spirit. The artificial system of maintaining control over society practiced by this world cannot bring the kind of peace described here as a sea of glass mingled with passionate fire, populated by those singing praises to God from hearts liberated from all fear.
I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace, to him who is far off and to him who is near, says Yahweh; and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it can't rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, says my God, to the wicked. (Isaiah 57:19-21)
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed. For let that man not think that he will receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8)
The wicked rage because they hate not being in control. They seek to gain control through physical or emotional manipulation of circumstances. Anger, fear, deception, seduction, intimidation and force are all attempts to acquire satisfaction for unfilled cravings and lusts. Yet the wicked cannot know inner peace because they refuse to trust the heart of their Creator as trustworthy to provide for their needs. Unbelief in the goodness of God leaves one dissatisfied, uneasy, restless and looking for ways to find what they imagine will bring satisfaction for deep unmet longings. So long as our sense of worth and identity is based on how we feel or what others think of us, we do not trust the word of God as our only reliable source to defines us, and we remain unstable in all our ways.
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Why is this description of the sea of glass at this location here in this chapter? Because those being commissioned to launch the upcoming assault must be securely anchored in Jesus and His victory.
Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:6-8)
This passage provides key insights as to how we may live in true peace resulting in rest and joy rather than simply avoiding conflicts. Peace is a result of disciplining our imagination to only allow what fits the criteria of the New Song, and repelling anything that violates God's priorities. What occupies our imagination directly affects our disposition and our ability to rest in God's care for us. Paul explains that we may have peace of soul that cannot be unsettled by the enemy's schemes to intimidate us. Using this filter to pre-test every thought, we allow only the kinds of thoughts into our imagination that enhance our mental and spiritual condition to be in harmony with the Spirit.
Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:4-8)
a sea of glass mixed with fire
This sea of glass is mixed with fire. Having a right definition of God's fire is crucial to appreciate what is waiting for us in this chapter. Mention of this sea is always linked with the presence of God and His throne. Thus this fire is part of the description of what God's presence involves.
Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; for love is strong as death. Jealousy is as cruel as Sheol. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a very flame of Yahweh. Many waters can't quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man would give all the wealth of his house for love, he would be utterly scorned. (Song of Solomon 8:6-7)
I find that the best way to interpret the metaphor of fire in prophecy and other places in Scripture as it relates to God, is that this symbol represents high intensity. Song of Solomon reveals that the fire of Yahweh is high intensity love, which makes sense given He is love and nothing less. Even the metaphor of brimstone or sulphur is connected to God's glory because of the intensity of heat and light that burning sulphur gives off. This is why these are used as symbols of the intensity experienced whenever anyone comes into the immediate presence of the God of the universe.
when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from its midst, by the spirit of justice, and by the spirit of burning. Yahweh will create over the whole habitation of Mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy. (Isaiah 4:4-5)
'For I,' says Yahweh, 'will be to her a wall of fire around it, and I will be the glory in the midst of her.' (Zechariah 2:5)
As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matthew 3:11 NAS95)
What is important to realize is that what is experienced as ecstasy and protection by those in harmony with love, is simultaneously experienced as torment and terror by those who hate the light.
those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name
In Revelation we may connect clues from verses specifically mentioning overcoming to discern who this passage refers to. This sheds light on the meaning of these two chapters particularly. The placement of these verses describing this sea of glass are strategic, for they inform us about the true identity of this 7 angeled symbol. I have come to believe they describe the activity and character of those identified as the 144,000, the special agents who have become tightly aligned with the Lamb.
I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now is come the salvation, the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ; for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night. They overcame him because of the Lamb's blood, and because of the word of their testimony. They didn't love their life, even to death. (Revelation 12:10-11)
This passage links the casting down of Satan from heaven to the methods and resources for those prepared to further that objective. While the 144,000 are not mentioned by name here, this description also applies to anyone choosing to learn from and follow the Lamb fully. I believe this chapter 15 portrays these angels not merely as metaphors of this group of 'resistors,' but they are being commissioned strategically by God to bring about the culmination of this last round of 7's. This final assault against the enemies of light and love will prove so potent against Satan's kingdom of lies that it will not be able to withstand the pressure. This becomes evident near the end of chapter 16. Note also the key words number and name in the description of the 144,000 that counteracts the number and name of the beast and of its image here in chapter 15.
I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a number, one hundred forty-four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads. I heard a sound from heaven, like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of a great thunder. The sound which I heard was like that of harpists playing on their harps. They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth. These are those who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are those who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed by Jesus from among men, the first fruits to God and to the Lamb. In their mouth was found no lie, for they are blameless. (Revelation 14:1-5)
The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority as kings, with the beast, for one hour. These have one mind, and they give their power and authority to the beast. These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. They also will overcome who are with him, called and chosen and faithful. (Revelation 17:12-14)
Three elements stand out vividly in these passages – the Lamb, overcoming along with the means of how to overcome. They overcome because the Lamb has overcome already.
One of the elders said to me, "Don't weep. Behold, the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome; he who opens the book and its seven seals." (Revelation 5:5)
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
He who overcomes, I will give him these things. I will be his God, and he will be my son. (Revelation 21:7)
This highlights a central and decisive issue of this book. Those who worship (receive their identity from) the beast, his image and who allow themselves to be identified by his number and/or name, become opposite in character in contrast to those who refuse at all costs to be involved in any of these deceptions, but who rather follow only the Lamb. The previous two chapters along with this and the next one, rely on these identifiers frequently to signal who is on which side. This must be taken seriously, for we are now entering the very times and events described in these chapters.
Some may argue that while those described here as standing on the sea of glass mingled with fire may indeed represent the 144,000, that these should not be taken to also represent the 7 angels symbolized here. That is a possible explanation, yet I find that argument weak and lacking in continuity given how the first three angels messages in chapter 14 are widely considered to be symbolic of spiritual movements on earth among human beings orchestrated by heavenly beings. Revelation is to be viewed primarily as symbolic; that is one of the two criteria we are relying on in this study. So I find it more consistent to believe that the reason this scene is presented in this strategic location in this chapter is to alert us that this special group of people who are madly in love with their Leader, are listening to the sound of a very different drum than most others on this planet. These are those who have been trained and are now being used by heaven in close sympathy with the Lamb, to accomplish fulfillment of the mystery being revealed in the grand purposes of God. For me it makes far more sense and conveys more continuity to conclude that this chapter is describing how these loyal ones will be used to prove that the Lamb's methods really can accomplish what God has long insisted alone overcomes the powers of darkness and evil without being complicit in or giving credence to any of the assertions and accusations of the enemy of love, light and truth.
Keep in mind that to overcome false sources of identity that are to be imposed on all those who dwell on the earth, the people symbolized here as standing on this sea of glass are those who have rejected any association or identification by powers that contradict, detracts from or undermines their true identity anchored only in Christ. These rely solely on the Lamb as the only Source they will trust to define who they are and to show them how to act like themselves. These are prepared to live out their purpose to glorify God's reputation, refusing to demean themselves to be a mere number. They refuse to allow the spirit of force, fear, intimidation or coercion to dictate how they react to others and especially how they choose to view God. These cling tenaciously to only the Lamb's version of God's heart, and spurn every distraction, threat or inducement.
Here is where the symbols become very relevant. In the gospel of John Jesus portrays Himself appropriately as the good Shepherd of the sheep of all who are willing to listen and follow Him. Here in Revelation we find that the Hero who alone can win the cosmic war over the dragon who is the prince of darkness and evil, is the violently slaughtered Lamb. It is no accident that what we discover in the end is that the Shepherd is actually the same as this Lamb, meaning He has more than identified as one with us in order that we might become one with Him and with the Godhead.
"Most certainly, I tell you, one who doesn't enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they don't know the voice of strangers." (John 10:1-5)
Notice the contrast of methods here. The tactics of the dragon, beasts and the image are all about force and coercion and intimidation. This is embedded in the ID they force of all those who dwell on the earth in the form of a name and a number. In contrast the true Shepherd who identifies with His sheep is seen as the most vulnerable and exploited more than anyone, yet because of this (not in spite of it), He displays the kind of power that alone can defeat all the intimidation arrayed against Him and all choosing to follow Him. They trust His voice alone and stay loyal to Him against all odds.
The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn't own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep, and scatters them. The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand, and doesn't care for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I'm known by my own; even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd. (John 10:10-16)
Jesus lays out in stark contrast the methods, motives and disposition totally opposite each other. Each of us decides whose voice we will trust to define who we are and who we will follow and worship. Jesus emphasizes here the ultimate goal and purpose toward which He leads those willing to listen and follow His voice and example – intimate knowing of the love, joy, grace, peace and abundant life that is in Him and in the Father's heart and presence.
The true Shepherd who is also seen as a Lamb, only leads by attraction, never with intimidation or violence. When we are willing to believe that this revelation is the same truth that defines the God of the universe as well as His Son, our whole perspective on everything is radically altered. Then what was previously a complete mystery suddenly becomes a glorious invitation to be drawn into the highest privilege offered to anyone in the history of the universe.
The Jews therefore came around him and said to him, "How long will you hold us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you don't believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, these testify about me. But you don't believe, because you are not of my sheep, as I told you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." (John 10:24-30)
Why do religious experts refuse to believe that this Jesus is the true Christ? Because they refuse to relinquish their cherished desires for a violent, forceful God who uses His power to carry out their agenda to crush enemies and exalt them to favored positions of power so they can subjugate others and be great at the expense of others. We are in the exact same danger of unbelief in the nature of how God will carry out and execute 'vengeance,' for we too are infected with the same spirit of selfishness and false identities as those around us. It is up to each to decide for ourselves if we will let go of our long-held mistaken ideas of God to embrace the meek and humble revelation of God's heart brought to us by His Son who alone is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.
Jesus explicitly states here that He and the Father are one. This was the sticking point that was too much for the Jews to accept, and as a result they rejected Jesus and crucified Him because they refused to accept that God was no different than this humble, unassuming man who appeared soft on crime and confused about love from their perspective. We face the same crisis and grapple with the same dichotomy. Will we follow the Lamb wherever He leads, or will we refuse Him who speaks from heaven?
Application
What is my relationship to the sea of glass? Can I trust God to keep me on top of it?
How do my perceptions and fears interact to affect my thinking about the fire of God?
Do I really know the peace that passes all understanding, and can that peace elevate me above the threats and feelings so easily aroused during a sudden storm that may catch me by surprise?
Do I know yet what it really means to overcome the feelings and fears that originate with the counterfeit powers of this world?
How much am I still affected by old paradigms of how and why I need to overcome?
Do I still secretly try to affect God's disposition about me, or am I resting in trust of His heart?
How anchored is my spirit in a settled security that I am already in Christ, already loved, valued and have a secure identity from God not based on anything I do or don't do?
Am I overcoming and renouncing the internal lies, fears and unease that threaten to drown me?
What part can I do to live and remain in Christ with God as my Father and rest secure as His child?
I can choose to embrace these truths being brought to my attention as the Spirit speaks life, warnings and brings guidance to my heart. May each of us choose to take more time to soak in the Word of God mediated and brought into our heart by the Spirit of God so we may know Him and live in true love.
