Sea of Glass - Rumor notes 23

 

Revelation 4

6 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.

7 The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle.

8 The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around about and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!"

9 When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever,

10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever, and throw their crowns before the throne, saying,

11 "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, the Holy One, to receive the glory, the honor, and the power, for you created all things, and because of your desire they existed, and were created!"

Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal

A sea is generally a body of water that seems to have unlimited boundaries while a lake has observable shores that limit its scope in our thinking. This sea of glass seems to include something along the line of a dividing plane between what dwells in heaven and what is full of contamination here on earth.

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. (Revelation 15:2)

Is there any possible connection between this sea of glass mixed with fire and the 3 lakes of fire found near the end of Revelation? When comparing them I find compelling reasons to believe they are closely related, possibly even co-located or very close. We will explore this much more when we get to that study which is part of what God used to radically alter my thinking and feelings about Him.

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)

The construction of its wall was jasper. The city was pure gold, like pure glass. (Revelation 21:18)

The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates was made of one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. (Revelation 21:21)

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.

(Exodus 24:9-10)

Over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of an expanse, like the awesome crystal to look on, stretched forth over their heads above. (Ezekiel 1:22)

Crystal breaks light down into rainbow colors and can generate resonate notes.

Clear crystal is not a rock or a stone.

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 1:26)

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)

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

In the midst of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind.

What all can we find located in the midst of the throne?

I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A choenix of wheat..." (Revelation 6:6)

They will never be hungry, neither thirsty any more; neither will the sun beat on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shepherds them, and leads them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:16-17)

I looked, and behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, a great cloud, with flashing lightning, and a brightness round about it, and out of the midst of it as it were glowing metal, out of the midst of the fire. Out of the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. This was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man. (Ezekiel 1:4-5)

What is indicated as being around the throne?

A rainbow around the throne (v. 3)

Around the throne were twenty-four thrones (v. 4)

I saw, and I heard something like a voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders... (5:11)

All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures... (7:11)

Four Living Creatures

around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind

The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around about and within

Let's begin with the eyes. They are full of eyes. They are before, behind, about and within.

These are all perspective terms. In front and in back, external and internal.

When they went, they went in their four directions: they didn't turn when they went. As for their rims, they were high and dreadful; and they four had their rims full of eyes round about. (Ezekiel 1:17-18)

When they went, they went in their four directions: they didn't turn as they went, but to the place where the head looked they followed it; they didn't turn as they went. Their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had. (Ezekiel 10:11-12)

What is the significance of eyes? What are they used for? What do the represent?

The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light. (Matthew 6:22)

What are the 4 creatures and what might they represent?

The first creature was like a lion

the second creature like a calf

the third creature had a face like a man

the fourth was like a flying eagle

How do these correspond to the 4 standards held on the 4 sides of the camp of Israel in the wilderness, each composed of 3 tribes per side? Is there a discrepancy in their sequence? Discuss.

Throughout chapters 4 and 5 these 4 creatures are constantly listed in connection with the 24 elders. In fact, throughout the book whenever they are mentioned it is almost always linked with the elders in some way. When the Lamb begins to break the seals from the scroll taken from the hand of the One on the throne, the first 4 breaks are accompanied by an announcement from one of these creatures.

This is clearly expanded upon in Ezekiel where these creatures are presented in much greater detail. There is much to learn by examining the descriptions and activities of these creatures, for they have far more to do with us than we might first imagine.

What I find maybe most compelling in what we can discern in connection with these creatures and elders is the idea of synchronization. These are the connecting links that provide communication between heaven and earth, between the family of heaven in God's immediate presence to the family on earth where darkness constantly attempts to block all light and obfuscate reality that is clear to the rest of the universe.

What we are learning is that these creatures represent the emotional dimension that is central to relationships, especially our relationship with God. Satan hates this intimacy with God for which we were designed, so he does everything possible to discredit or minimize this truth. But without emotional involvement, it is impossible for anyone to come into harmony with God's design for life, love, joy and peace.

These creatures are unique and quite different from each other, representing varying personality types, characteristics and diversity. Yet what they reveal is how the Spirit of God organizes and synchronizes those who are willing to be led by the Spirit as she works all things together for the good of those who receive and reflect love from the heart of God. This beautiful, powerful, compelling vision of harmony in complexity is seen as similar to a matrix of wheels turning, moving, flying and yet somehow completely unified in the description given by Ezekiel.

I looked, and behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, a great cloud, with flashing lightning, and a brightness round about it, and out of the midst of it as it were glowing metal, out of the midst of the fire. Out of the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures.

This was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man. Everyone had four faces, and each one of them had four wings. Their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot; and they sparkled like burnished brass. They had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings thus: their wings were joined one to another; they didn't turn when they went; each one went straight forward.

As for the likeness of their faces, they had the face of a man; and they four had the face of a lion on the right side; and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four had also the face of an eagle.

Their faces and their wings were separate above; two wings of each one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. Each one went straight forward: where the spirit was to go, they went; they didn't turn when they went.

As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches: the fire went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. The living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.

Now as I saw the living creatures, behold, one wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, for each of the four faces of it. The appearance of the wheels and their work was like a beryl: and they four had one likeness; and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel within a wheel. When they went, they went in their four directions: they didn't turn when they went.

As for their rims, they were high and dreadful; and they four had their rims full of eyes round about.

When the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. Wherever the spirit was to go, they went; there was the spirit to go: and the wheels were lifted up beside them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up beside them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of an expanse, like the awesome crystal to look on, stretched forth over their heads above. Under the expanse were their wings straight, the one toward the other: each one had two which covered on this side, and every one had two which covered on that side, their bodies.

When they went, I heard the noise of their wings like the noise of great waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a noise of tumult like the noise of an army: when they stood, they let down their wings.

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.

I saw as it were glowing metal, as the appearance of fire within it round about, from the appearance of his waist and upward; and from the appearance of his waist and downward I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness round about him. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Yahweh. When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke. (Ezekiel 1:4-28)

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. He spoke to the man clothed in linen, and said, Go in between the whirling wheels, even under the cherub, and fill both your hands with coals of fire from between the cherubim, and scatter them over the city. He went in as I watched.

Now the cherubim stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court. The glory of Yahweh mounted up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of Yahweh's glory. The sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of God Almighty when he speaks.

It came to pass, when he commanded the man clothed in linen, saying, Take fire from between the whirling wheels, from between the cherubim, that he went in, and stood beside a wheel. The cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubim to the fire that was between the cherubim, and took of it, and put it into the hands of him who was clothed in linen, who took it and went out.

There appeared in the cherubim the form of a man's hand under their wings. I looked, and behold, four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside one cherub, and another wheel beside another cherub; and the appearance of the wheels was like a beryl stone. As for their appearance, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel have been within a wheel. When they went, they went in their four directions: they didn't turn as they went, but to the place where the head looked they followed it; they didn't turn as they went. Their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had. As for the wheels, they were called in my hearing, the whirling wheels. Every one had four faces: the first face was the face of the cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third face the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle. The cherubim mounted up: this is the living creature that I saw by the river Chebar. When the cherubim went, the wheels went beside them; and when the cherubim lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the wheels also didn't turn from beside them. When they stood, these stood; and when they mounted up, these mounted up with them: for the spirit of the living creature was in them. The glory of Yahweh went forth from over the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim. The cherubim lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight when they went forth, and the wheels beside them: and they stood at the door of the east gate of Yahweh's house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above. This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew that they were cherubim. Every one had four faces, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings. As for the likeness of their faces, they were the faces which I saw by the river Chebar, their appearances and themselves; they went every one straight forward. (Ezekiel 10:1-22)

Beryl is a most alluring and popular mineral. It occurs in a diversity of colors, and has several important gemstone varieties. The green variety, Emerald, is one of the most precious gems. Only green Beryl with a deep green color is called Emerald; light green Beryl is simply "Green Beryl" (or Heliodor if it has a yellowish color.)

Aquamarine, another important gemstone, is the greenish-blue to blue variety of Beryl. Green Beryl from certain localities can be heat treated to produce sky-blue Aquamarine. Other popular gem varieties of Beryl are the pink Morganite, and the yellow Heliodor and Golden Beryl. A deep red variety of Beryl, known as Red Beryl (or Bixbite) is extremely rare, and only comes from two localities in Utah. When in good specimens, Red Beryl commands an outstanding premium and is very difficult to obtain.

Pure Beryl is colorless. However, a wide range of impurities cause the diverse amount of colors and many varieties. The green color in Emerald is usually caused by traces of the element chromium, and the blue color of Aquamarine usually by iron.
Beryl is naturally transparent, however inclusions and impurities may make it opaque.

Beryl often crystallizes in perfect, six-sided hexagons. Crystals are usually as individual prismatic hexagons. Crystals may be enormous in size; some 30 foot long (8 meter), well-crystallized examples have been found. Beryl may also be short, stubby crystals, and occasionally in tabular crystals and plates.

Beryl forms some of the most well-known and prized gemstones. The deep green variety Emerald is one of the most valuable gems. Aquamarine, a semi-precious gem, is the most popular light blue gem. Morganite, Golden Beryl, and Heliodor are also used as gems, though Goshenite and Red Beryl are less frequently faceted into gemstone cuts.

Beryl is also an important industrial mineral, and is mined for the element beryllium (formerly known as glucinium). Beryl is the main ore or beryllium. Beryllium is a very tough metal, and is sometime used in alloys to strengthen other metals.

Golden beryl can range in colors from pale yellow to a brilliant gold. Unlike emerald, golden beryl generally has very few flaws.

Colorless beryl is called goshenite.

Morganite, also known as "pink beryl", "rose beryl" "pink emerald." Orange/yellow varieties of morganite can also be found, and color banding is common.

Red beryl is very rare and has been reported only from a handful of locations.

(https://www.minerals.net/mineral/beryl.aspx)

each one of them having six wings

Why are there only 4 wings described by Ezekiel of these creatures, while in Revelation there are 6?

In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two he covered his face. With two he covered his feet. With two he flew. One called to another, and said, "Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of Armies! The whole earth is full of his glory!" The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. (Isaiah 6:1-4)

They have no rest day and night

The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. They have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. (Revelation 14:11)

He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up. (Luke 18:1)

Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:36)

In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; (Romans 12:10-12)

with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: (Ephesians 6:18)

Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; (Colossians 4:2)

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!

Above him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two he covered his face. With two he covered his feet. With two he flew. One called to another, and said, "Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of Armies! The whole earth is full of his glory!" The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. (Isaiah 6:2-4)

One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power. No one was able to enter into the temple, until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished. (Revelation 15:7-8)

The tight interconnections of so many passages is starting to become more clear. And most importantly, the centrality of continual praise is key to appreciating and participating in filling the whole world with the glory of God. This is the content of the new song that must be learned by all who will be God's primary representatives at the end.

What we see in this chapter is how the highest beings in the universe in concert with the representatives in heaven of God's children on earth, all synchronize their activities and voices to give honor, glory and praise to the One on the throne, to counter all the slander and repair the damage caused to His reputation by the prince of darkness. We are invited to personally get involved in this, for we are not spectators or bystanders but are all very much part of the scenes we are watching here.

If the 4 creatures represent emotional organization and synchronization of God's people to the emotions of heaven and the heart of God, then we see how the descriptive words involving music, sounds, vivid colors, movement and everything else can arouse similar intense emotions in the human psyche.

What we need to appreciate more is that with our will we can choose to amplify the emotions that contribute to salvaging God's reputation and thus shorten the time it takes to bring all the mess in the universe to a final end. The end point of evil is when the only thing left, the only game in town will be praise, honor and gratitude to God because He is good with no shadow or hint of darkness at all. The sooner we lock into this mindset and settle our hearts in loyalty to this truth about God, the sooner the end will come and we can live in the unveiled glory of passionate love described as rivers of fire flowing from the throne of God.

Center of the Universe - Rumor notes 22

 Revelation 4

1 After these things I looked and saw a door opened in heaven, and the first voice that I heard, like a trumpet speaking with me, was one saying, "Come up here, and I will show you the things which must happen after this."

2 Immediately I was in the Spirit. Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne

3 that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at.

4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads.

5 Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

6 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.

A door into heaven does not necessarily mean it is away from earth. Heaven is also all around and in us, only in another dimension as well as involving another place in the universe.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it. (John 1:1-5)

'For in him we live, and move, and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also his offspring.' (Acts 17:28)

Being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, he answered them, "The Kingdom of God doesn't come with observation; neither will they say, 'Look, here!' or, 'Look, there!' for behold, the Kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)

Come up here, and I will show you

This declares succinctly that heaven is committed to openness and transparency, quite opposite of how earthly powers operate.

This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel to his servant, John. (Revelation 1:1)

I counsel you to buy from me...eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. (Revelation 3:18)

Why would John be invited to an open door into heaven?

I think it is no coincidence that just before this opportunity to see things from heaven's perspective that we are instructed to buy gold, white garments and eye salve in order to see.

Its a matter of perspective, to see everything through eyes that have very different priorities than what we are used to having. Perspective and priorities make all the difference in how we perceive reality.

Immediately I was in the Spirit.

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet

(Revelation 1:10)

He carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored animal, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. (Revelation 17:3)

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, (Revelation 21:10)

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)

It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. For I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I don't know, or whether out of the body, I don't know; God knows), such a one caught up into the third heaven. I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I don't know; God knows), how he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

(2 Corinthians 12:1-4)

a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne

Chapters 4-5 parallel Daniel 7 and reveal a court scene dealing with charges leveled against God's character by Satan who accuses him of being motivated by selfish interest. This chapter also provides a norm of how creation was designed to function originally.

Speaking of perspective, consider this sequence of descriptives related to the throne that follow:

A throne set – vs 2

Around the throne – vs 3-4,6

Out of the throne – vs 5

Before the throne – vs 5-6

In the midst of the throne – vs 6

Clearly everything here revolves around the throne making it the center of all context.

The word throne comes from a word meaning to sit. God is all about relationship more than about power. He is love as well as the most humble being in the universe. Thus the sitting place of God could be viewed as His chair where children may feel welcome to sit on His lap and be cuddled in His arms.

Thrones denote both authority and decision making. God's throne is directly related to His credibility, as He never coerces anyone to live under His authority. His authority is derived from the willing submission of loyalty springing from an appreciation of His character of love and the freedom He defends for every created being to choose for themselves whom they will worship and serve.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it. (John 1:1-5)

'For in him we live, and move, and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also his offspring.' (Acts 17:28)

Being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, he answered them, "The Kingdom of God doesn't come with observation; neither will they say, 'Look, here!' or, 'Look, there!' for behold, the Kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)

We need to look past merely thinking of this as a physical throne somewhere far away in heaven where the all-powerful God of the universe dispenses authority and judges everyone else. This misses the reality and the significance of much of what we find in this and the next chapter.

A throne is more about the inner place of authority but even more so the deepest, most intimate part of our experience of existence. It points to the heart, the seat of emotions, decisions, relationship with others. It certainly is the seat of all authority as it is only by permission that anyone is given access into the sacred part of our soul. This is about access to intimacy, trust, sharing of transparent love. All this is contained in the idea of a throne. We must avoid getting stuck in viewing this through the lens of the counterfeit system that is all about power and control instead of about intimate permission to access and synchronize with the heart.

Amazingly what we are introduced to here is a glimpse into the very heart of God. If we will associate throne with God's heart instead of some place of stern, unfeeling place of judgment and handing out sentences, we could begin to grasp the emotional power that John must have felt as he was privileged to look into the secret place of the Most High and see metaphors that might help to see how God feels and relates to those around Him.

looked like a jasper stone and a sardius

Jasper is usually red or yellow but can be green. Sardius is also red in color and was the first stone in the breastplate of the high priest. This red describing the One on the throne may correspond to the color of God in whose image Adam was created. Adam means ruddy or reddish in color. Of course the color red relates to blood which represents life. And the worship of God involve a lot of references to blood, which only makes sense since God is the Source and Author of all life.

There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at.

Emerald is an intense green color. But what is this referring to, the rainbow or the throne? A rainbow is primarily known for have the full spectrum of colors so it wouldn't make sense to say the rainbow was only green – it would no longer be accurate to call it a rainbow. Yet to see the throne as green when it was just described as intense red or yellow can be confusing. However, jasper can also be green, so very likely the throne is not merely a single solid color but can be viewed as having the primary colors of life with red representing blood of life, yellow associated with fire and green seen in the lush vegetation found wherever life is abounding.

Another possibility could mean these three mentioned colors – red, yellow and green – might refer to the three primary elements of nature – wind, fire and water.

Blood being red represents life in Scripture. Human life was brought into existence when the wind, the very Spirit or breath of life from God, entering into an inanimate shape formed from the ground resulting a new living soul.

Yellow might possibly refer to the gold which in scripture represents faith and love which is also represented by fire. Fire in scripture represents the intense passion of God's love which is the very source of all power throughout the universe. Fire is sometimes linked with sulphur which is also yellow and describes the very essence of divine presence that has potential to induce torture in any who choose to remain out of harmony with this love.

Green could represent life-giving waters, and while there were likely no large oceans originally on this planet, there were bodies of water large enough to support large sea mammals that could have had the appearance of green and/or blue. Combine this with the color green being associated with healthy living vegetation that is well-watered and we round out the full spectrum of needed ingredients for life as we know it on earth.

Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads.

This is where God's motives and His methods demonstrate even more clearly the nature of His way of governing. Again, this is not about the arrangement of furniture in some heavenly courtroom in some distant building. Rather it is about disposition and relationships. This arrangement of metaphoric seats at the focal point of power and life is about power-sharing, diversifying authority, inclusion, trust and delegation. If we keep in mind the deeper meaning of what a throne is about from heaven's perspective, we see that the hearts (thrones) of other beings revolve around the heart of God. Isn't this what God wants? He is not into top-down hierarchical control like counterfeit systems employ. Rather God is all about relationship sharing, entrusting and delegating extended relationships through a giant network of various beings all with direct access to the central heart of God.

I don't see anything about the description of this throne and its surroundings that even hints as a power structure like what we are used to living under. I see no indication that certain elders govern over other beings or that the four creatures are higher in authority than the elders or anything of that type. Even the angels and all sorts of other miscellaneous beings mentioned later are not arranged in some top-down authority control matrix managed from the top but are all simply described as being around the throne in the center. This is vital to appreciate if we are to grasp the much deeper meanings of this book of revelations about God as opened to us in Jesus Christ.

This challenges our distorted notions of some need to go through an artificial chain of command in order to gain access to the top. And while there is a system of relationships designed to facilitate various levels of maturity in the body of Christ, it must not become infected with the satanic invention of hierarchical control mechanisms denying direct access to God. The counterfeit is designed to insert other gods into the lineup and compel people to imagine they are less important to God than those 'above' them. But in this chapter I find nothing to support that view amazingly. Rather the very term 'elder' indicates that any variation in description or function is about capacity, experience and wisdom. But all of that is for the purpose of serving and helping others to come closer and higher, not to rule over them. This is totally in harmony with the explicit command of Jesus that those who follow Him are never to dominate over anyone else but are only to serve. This is in direct confrontation to all hierarchy or notions about dominion given to anyone for the purpose of controlling other humans.

The presence of multiple adjacent thrones reveals the power-sharing nature of God's kingdom and His willingness to be fully accountable and transparent in all His ways. Notice that these elders all wear white garments and have golden crowns. Jesus is dressed similarly and both of these elements were offered to be bought from Jesus just a few verses previous to this.

What are elders? Is the word elder related to age, to maturity, to experience, to status, to position?

Who might these elders be? Why or how might they be chosen?

Why are there 24 elders and not some other number?

What gender might these elders be?

What is the purpose of these thrones and elders? What are their activities/responsibilities?

...Eleazar and Ithamar [sons of Aaron] executed the priest's office. David with Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, divided them according to their ordering in their service. There were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and thus were they divided: of the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen, heads of fathers' houses; and of the sons of Ithamar, according to their fathers' houses, eight. Thus were they divided impartially by drawing lots; for there were princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

This was the ordering of them in their service, to come into the house of Yahweh according to the ordinance given to them by Aaron their father, as Yahweh, the God of Israel, had commanded him.

(1 Chronicles 24:2-5,19)

Princes of the sanctuary could be those concerned primarily with those who constitute the children of God who compose the sanctuary in which He dwells. Princes of God may be elders who are more focused on a connection with God's heart.

Our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem; Jerusalem, that is built as a city that is compact together; where the tribes go up, even Yah's tribes, according to an ordinance for Israel, to give thanks to the name of Yahweh. For there are set thrones for judgment, the thrones of David's house. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love you will prosper. (Psalms 122:2-6)

I saw until thrones were placed, and one who was ancient of days sat: his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and the wheels of it burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousands of thousands ministered to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. (Daniel 7:9-10)

Jesus said to them, "Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (Matthew 19:28)

What is judgment? This is key to clarifying the motives and purpose of God's kind of thrones.

This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. (John 3:19)

If bringing light defines how God does judgment, what evidence do we find in these verses to confirm this?

These elders are dressed in white garments. Again, we must understand what garments mean or we can miss a great many insights. Garments are defined in chapter 19 as the righteous acts of the saints. Connect this to something Jesus said and it can all start to come together to compose a larger view of what this is all about.

You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden. Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. "Don't think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfill. For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished. (Matthew 5:14-18)

These words give us an overview of the whole purpose for judgment. Laying aside our perverted notions about judgment as critically analyzing people's lives and determining their fate and punishment or reward, we see that true judgment is the unleashing of light through out own lives. And for what purpose? Light is to flow out of our lives – the way we relate to those around us, especially those in the house – in the works we do. And the works become evidence of the work of God in transforming our own hearts, minds and actions. This evidence of the effectiveness of God's love to transform sinners into saints becomes the very light that judges naturally, not forcibly. All of this is for the purpose of eliciting praise and glory to flow back to God from all who see His glory reflected in the lives of His saints. This is what judgment is all about – how we choose to relate to the light of God's glory.

He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart. He has put down princes from their thrones. And has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty. (Luke 1:51-53)

For by him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him. (Colossians 1:16)

After considering all this and more, it would appear that to be an elder might mean to be a person who has most come to reflect the humility, kindness, graciousness and maturity as demonstrated by the greatest light Jesus Christ. The very presence of Jesus who is the epitome of love, caused judgment wherever He went. This was not because He went around pointing out people's sins and condemning them – that is counterfeit judgment. No, it was just the opposite. The light of God's love constantly flowing through Jesus always elicited reactions in all who were exposed to it, some positively and others negatively. This is how heaven's kind of judgment operates – naturally, not forcibly. This then, would indicate that these thrones and elders are synchronizing with the work of Jesus and their lives and example emulate the same kind of influence and interactions and wisdom that is seen in the life of Jesus, the greatest light reflector. The elders reflect the most light besides Jesus and thus cause the most judgment to happen around them.

with crowns of gold on their heads

These elders have the signature crowns made of gold on their heads. Jesus wears a similar crown.

I looked, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud one sitting like a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. Another angel came out from the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Send forth your sickle, and reap; for the hour to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe!" He who sat on the cloud thrust his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped. (Revelation 14:14-16)

Again, we must be wary of allowing infections from the counterfeit way of viewing things to influence the definitions of the words being used. In our world a crown indicates rank, status and power over in a clear hierarchy system. God does not embrace hierarchy, and certainly Jesus does not since He soundly denounces and rejects it in His instructions to His disciples. So if we remove the idea of a crown from the context of hierarchy, then what might it mean in a system free of all hierarchy?

Consider a few basic things about a crown that are givens:

A crown is designed to be worn on the head. Why might that be important or what does it imply?

A crown has assumed meaning, sending a message to others about the one wearing it.

A crown is not the same as a hat. How is it different and why?

A crown often contains things other than gold. Does that provide any reason for discussion here?

A crown of gold would indicate we need to be reminded of the real meaning of gold?

Is a crown merely external or does it reflect internal qualities. Where does it originate? How is it made?

Discuss the implications of all these elders having crowns just like the one on Jesus. What might that reveal to us about the attitude of Jesus when others are wearing the same things He wears and are all seated on thrones all arranged around the main throne of the universe.

Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders.

Before we ponder the significance of this list of alerting signals, consider in the light of what we just discovered what it might mean that they come out of the throne of God at the center of the universe.

One thing these words alert us to is that all these things originate from inside the throne. They are not evidently reactions coming from anywhere else but are said to be coming out of the throne. It might be helpful to ponder other passages that refer to what originates from the main throne and how they might add to our understanding of what these might mean.

The seventh poured out his bowl into the air. A loud voice came forth out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" (Revelation 16:17)

A voice came forth from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, the small and the great!" (Revelation 19:5)

He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Revelation 22:1)

I saw until thrones were placed, and one who was ancient of days sat: his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and the wheels of it burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousands of thousands ministered to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. (Daniel 7:9-10)

From these verses indicating things coming out of the throne of God, we find a voice, a river of water and a fiery stream. Now we link that to this verse which says that lightnings, sounds, and thunders come from this same throne.

Generally, though not always, thunder originates from lightnings. Sounds can originate from all sorts of causes. Lightning almost always comes from the sky while sounds can come from both the sky as well as from underground.

This cluster of attention-getting signals repeats throughout the book with something additional added each time for emphasis, indicating a progression of ever-increasing intensity. They appear to be used to mark off significant milestones in the war against the powers of evil and darkness.

I call these markers transition tabs, inserted throughout the book to both organize it and to alert us of significant shifts of movement toward the final conclusion. While I don't claim to know just what each of these mean, I believe it is important that we keep our minds open to continued insights, for I am convinced that God sends light, knowledge, understanding and wisdom to all who ask for it and remain open and humble, willing to learn or even relearn as everything fits together more and more clearly.

I might be good to linger a bit to discuss what each of these might represent, and do so again each time we come upon another one through our study. Keeping such a discussion open-ended is one way of learning much more rather than wanting to arrive at a hard and fast conclusion. Closing a discussion thinking we now know the right answer so we can move on is one reason so many become stuck in narrow thinking that prevents them from receiving greater insights as they continue to emerge.

One thing that jumps out almost immediately that seems highly significant, especially in this context, is that this is very close to the description of what people witnessed at Mt. Sinai.

It happened on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet; and all the people who were in the camp trembled. (Exodus 19:16)

All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance. (Exodus 20:18)

Notice how these similar descriptions serve like bookends to the giving of the Law of God by God directly. There is no mistake that these signs experienced at Mt. Sinai and seen again coming from the throne of God here in Revelation are no coincidence. Revelation acts as a living concordance for the rest of Scripture, meaning that nearly everything we read here needs to find its amplification and resource explanations from elsewhere in Scripture.

What else might we find throughout Scripture that has similar signs associated with them?

I call on Yahweh, who is worthy to be praised; and I am saved from my enemies. The cords of death surrounded me. The floods of ungodliness made me afraid. The cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death came on me. In my distress I called on Yahweh, and cried to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple. My cry before him came into his ears. Then the earth shook and trembled. The foundations also of the mountains quaked and were shaken, because he was angry. Smoke went out of his nostrils. Consuming fire came out of his mouth. Coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down. Thick darkness was under his feet. He rode on a cherub, and flew. Yes, he soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his hiding place, his pavilion around him, darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies. At the brightness before him his thick clouds passed, hailstones and coals of fire. Yahweh also thundered in the sky. The Most High uttered his voice: hailstones and coals of fire. He sent out his arrows, and scattered them; Yes, great lightning bolts, and routed them. Then the channels of waters appeared. The foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, Yahweh, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils. He sent from on high. He took me. He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me; for they were too mighty for me. They came on me in the day of my calamity, but Yahweh was my support. He brought me forth also into a large place. He delivered me, because he delighted in me. (Psalms 18:3-19)

This could well be an eloquent poem to accompany much of the book of Revelation.

Rebuke the wild animal of the reeds, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the peoples. Being humbled, may it bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations that delight in war. Princes shall come out of Egypt. Ethiopia shall hurry to stretch out her hands to God. Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth! Sing praises to the Lord! Selah.

To him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which are of old; behold, he utters his voice, a mighty voice. Ascribe strength to God! His excellency is over Israel, his strength is in the skies. You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives strength and power to his people. Praise be to God! (Psalms 68:30-35)

Behold, the name of Yahweh comes from far away, burning with his anger, and in thick rising smoke. His lips are full of indignation, and his tongue is as a devouring fire. His breath is as an overflowing stream that reaches even to the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction; and a bridle that leads to ruin will be in the jaws of the peoples.

You will have a song, as in the night when a holy feast is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goes with a flute to come to Yahweh's mountain, to Israel's Rock. Yahweh will cause his glorious voice to be heard, and will show the descent of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and the flame of a devouring fire, with a blast, storm, and hailstones. For through the voice of Yahweh the Assyrian will be dismayed. He will strike him with his rod. Every stroke of the rod of punishment, which Yahweh will lay on him, will be with the sound of tambourines and harps. He will fight with them in battles, brandishing weapons. For his burning place has long been ready. Yes, for the king it is made ready. He has made its pyre deep and large with fire and much wood. Yahweh's breath, like a stream of sulfur, kindles it. (Isaiah 30:27-33)

Again, this could easily parallel what we will find in the progression of the book of Revelation as it moves toward reports of lakes of fire where the enemies fighting against God and His true followers find their final end, especially the king of evil.

For you have not come to a mountain that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and to blackness, darkness, storm, the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which those who heard it begged that not one more word should be spoken to them, for they could not stand that which was commanded, "If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned;" and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, "I am terrified and trembling."

But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable multitudes of angels, to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:18-24)

There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

This correlates to the seven lampstands from chapter 1 representing the angels of the seven assemblies in chapters 2-3. Are they counterparts of each other, one set in heaven and reflected by the set on earth?

John, to the seven assemblies that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from God, who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits who are before his throne; (Revelation 1:4)

I saw in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. (Revelation 5:6)

A shoot will come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of Yahweh will rest on him: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Yahweh. His delight will be in the fear of Yahweh. He will not judge by the sight of his eyes, neither decide by the hearing of his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the poor, and decide with equity for the humble of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips he will kill the wicked. (Isaiah 11:1-4)