Revelation 4:2-3 and following answer that question. This is a look into heaven itself.
First of all, John was in the Spirit, that is, John is expressing that he was in some way ( that is beyond our normal experience with the Holy Spirit ) being affected by the Holy Spirit. That same Holy Spirit by the way lives in all who have come to Jesus Christ for salvation. We are in fact, the temple of the Holy Spirit, we are indeed in Him also, and He is in us.
Secondly, we are told of the first thing John saw. It was a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. John was seeing for the first time in his life, what he had been taught about by Jesus, he was seeing God sitting upon His throne in heaven.
How comforting for us to know that God is in control. That's what a throne represents. It means there is a place of power and authority. That place is God's throne in heaven.
Thirdly, John begins to describe the One he saw sitting on the throne in heaven. You will notice that John uses the word "like" many times. He was trying to explain what he was seeing, and the best thing he could do in many cases was to say, "it was like" Not that it was that, but rather it was "like that" and so on.
Fourthly, what John saw was like a jasper and sardius stone in appearance. Jasper can be of various colors such as purple, blue, green, and others the color of brass. A sardius can be flesh colored. And, there was a rainbow around the throne of God, like an emerald.
A few thoughts for reflection and application.
1. One day we will see exactly what John describes for us here in Rev 4. Because we are on our way to heaven.
2. The Holy Spirit gives us in this life, little bits and pieces of what we are reading about in Rev 4. We read about it in the Bible, and within ourselves we enjoy from God, thoughts and blessings about heaven.
3. We live in a world with many thrones now. Nations, kings, presidents etc, etc. All of them have some degree of power and authority. But, above them all is this one singularly, powerful authority, our God and Father, and His Son Jesus Christ. And the Holy Spirit of God.
4. While here on the earth, looking at Jesus, keeping Him central in our lives, and the main focus of our lives is His will for us.
5. Colors are beautiful to behold. And, seeing the Lord in heaven is going to be colorful to say the least. And anytime we see a rainbow, it's a blessing, we all say to others, "hey can you see that rainbow over there" God created rainbows, and they are so wonderful to look at, and there is one around His throne at this moment.
6. God Himself was to John like colors. Many different types of colors. That's what John said in Rev 4:3. So, one of the things we will notice in heaven right away is it's color. And that color starts with seeing God if you will.
Pastor Bob Grenier
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