Revelation and the Throne of God

from the Introduction to Revelation

1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

Commentary:  In this section the revelation made known to John is described as a revelation (apocalypse) and as a prophecy.  It was meant to be read in the context of a congregation (…blessed is the one who reads aloud…and…those who hear).  This is important.  Revelation is not a book meant to be studied and understood by a select few “super-spiritual” Christians or the like.  No, this is to be public knowledge among the churches; there is accessible knowledge that leads to blessedness in these words! 

the greeting to the Seven Churches…

4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Commentary: In this section, John gives us a praise, also known as a doxology, of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  Here we find clearly stated in apocalyptic (revealing) language what later in church history becomes formulated as the doctrine of the Trinity.  God the Father:  “him who is and who was and who is to come”, God the Son: “the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth”, God the Holy Spirit: “the seven spirits who are before his throne.” Describing the Holy Spirit as “the seven spirits” might throw us off a bit, but once we consider the significance of the number “seven” and its meaning of perfection/completeness, we can see there is no riddle here, but rather a description of the Spirit’s pervasive activity and presence (more to come on this…).

Application:

Ok, let’s stop and consider what we are being invited into here.  

1. Read Revelation chapter 1 once through
2. Now Read verses 1 to 3 and stop.
   1. This is where you frame your mindset.  Remember from last week who the letter of Revelation was meant for:  God’s kingdom priests.  A priest is a mediator – bringing offerings and sacrifices from men to God, and bringing the benefits of knowledge and relationship (i.e. forgiveness, etc.) from God to men.
   2. Recognize the urgency – not a hurriedness or impatience – but a sober recognition of the times and the state of mankind (your community, friends, family, etc.).
3. With your mind settled and determined to interact with God (because He’s the One who invited you here!!!!  Don’t forget that!!!!), read verses 4 to 8.
4. Reflect on the titles/descriptions given concerning the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit.
5. Verse 4 says that grace (what you don’t deserve) and peace (because you’ve done the work of turning aside to hear from God; yes, focusing on God takes….effort!) have been given to you from “the seven spirits who are before his throne.”  With this in mind, turn to the book of Hebrews, chapter 4,  in the New Testament (if you have time later go back and read the whole chapter 4, but don’t do that now – focus instead on the prayer you are formulating).  Read verses 14 to 16 of chapter 4.
   1. Consider how Jesus is described here – Who he is and What he is doing.
   2. Consider what, according to Hebrews 4, you are being given access to.
   3. What does the author of Hebrews believe that a proper understanding of Christ’s position on your behalf should produce in you?
   4. As much as you are able, wait on the Lord until you have some sense of that “confidence” (other translations use the term “boldness”  – I like that 🙂
6. If you find yourself in a still place, knowing Who God (Father Son Holy Spirit) is and what He’s given you access to, formulate your own doxology (a short paragraph of praise) followed by your requests
   1. Praise
   2. Requests
   3. Words of Thanksgiving
7. It may seem simple, but if you’ve done the work you will certainly appreciate the effort you put into it, and the “rest” you can find before His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) in the presence of the “seven spirits” who are before His throne (Revelation 1:4)