See Revelation 4:1-11
This chapter begins the 3rd section of Revelation.
The first section is in chapter 1, where John writes about what he was seeing, which was the Lord Jesus Christ.
The second section is in chapters 2-3, where John was told to write about the things which are.
In this section about the things that are, John received 7 letters from Jesus, addressed to 7 different churches that existed at that time.
It's believed by many that these 7 churches represent the Church Age, from start to finish.
That is, Ephesus being the very early church, and the churches of Philadelphia and Laodecia in particular being the last days church.
Thus when chapter 4 opens, with "After these things" and, " I will show you things which must take place after this" that this then is the third section of revelation, showing what would happen in the world after the church age, and after the church is removed from the earth prior to the great tribulation.
In fact, in 4:1 we are told that John heard "Come up here" in other words, come up to heaven. Again a type if you will of the church being taken up to heaven. By the way, there is in 4:1, this "door standing open in heaven" What a picture of invitation and grace this is. Jesus is called the "door" A door is something one goes through to get from where they are, to where they are going. There is something on the other side of the door. And, in this case, it's the Lord Himself in Heaven.
It's very clear that the Lord has not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation. See Rom 5:8, and 1st Thess 5:8, and of course many other parts of the Bible where God's people have been delivered just prior to judgement.
So, with that in mind, we enter then into this third section of Revelation, the church in Heaven. Please also see chapter 4, and you will see that the people in this 5th chapter are the redeemed of the Lord, and then you will see as we move into chapter 6, ( which is really like a table of contents for the rest of Revelation ) that the tribulation begins, and leads to the coming of Jesus Christ.
So, the church is raptured and taken to heaven right at the start of chapter 4, and the tribulation will follow their removal from the earth. See also Rev 3:10
So, here is a quick overview of what's in chapter 4.
John sees a Throne in heaven, and One that sat on the throne. This is the first thing John sees, it's the Lord seated upon His throne. By the way, the Lord and the throne are filled with colors See 4:3
Secondly, John sees 24 Thrones around God's throne. And, on these 24 Thrones were 24 elders seated and clothed in white robes ( these robes would no doubt be robes of righteousness, robes of salvation, and the 24 elders also had Crowns of gold on their heads. Crowns are spoken of in Scripture as that which God gives His people by way of rewards. So, I think that these 24 elders are redeemed people. I'm not particularly sure exactly who they are beyond saying they are redeemed.
Thirdly, John describes what comes from the Throne and then adds what was in front of the Throne, and then more about what was around it. There were lightnings and thunderings coming from the Throne, along with seven lamps burning before it. We are told that these seven lamps are the seven Spirits of God. Or the Holy Spirit who has been described in the book of Isaiah, as having seven aspects of who He is, and what He does. Thus, it seems that this is the Holy Spirit.
Fourthly, there is a sea of glass in front of the Throne, it is like crystal. And, then these 4 very interesting creatures around the Throne. They are full of eyes, and have wings and they speak, saying worshipful things about God, and when they speak the 24 elders prostrate themselves in front of the Throne.
That's about it. Here are some things that have come to my mind as I've pondered this chapter, and I pray that they might be an encouragement to you.
1. The door to heaven is Jesus Christ.
2. The Lord is on His Throne in heaven.
3. The Throne of God, and God speak of His great power and control.
4. The colors and the sounds, speak also of God's beauty and power.
5. There are others in heaven. Represented by the 24 elders.
6. The creatures who are busy worshipping, remind of God being the focus in heaven.
7. There are many things said about who God is in Chapter 4.
8. We are actually going to be there in Chapter 4.
9. The church will be taken to heaven.
10. One way or the other we will wind up there.
11. We will be singing these songs of praise one day in heaven.
12. Chapter 5 gives us more detail about heaven.
13. In the meantime God has us here on earth to do His will.
14. Let's help others get to heaven.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
What is said around the throne of God, and what happens there
See Revelation, 4:8b-11
The four winged creatures that are around the throne of God do not rest day or night, and they are saying "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come"
So, we see that they are constantly active, with their attention completely focused on the Lord, and they are saying things about God, that is, they are describing Him, basically in two ways.
First of all, God is Holy.
Secondly, God is Almighty.
Thirdly, God is eternal, was, is, and is to come.
What does Holy mean? The word in greek, is Hagios, meaning, sacred, pure, morally blameless, ceremonially consecrated, most holy. So, the creatures say it 3 times, over and over again. That God is Holy. This word is used all through the Bible, many, many times to speak of the Lord. He is other then us, He is different then anything else, or anyone else, He is above us. He is pure.
He is also Almighty. And the idea here is that of His complete power, unlimited power. He holds sway or rule over all things. He is the ruler of all.
The four winged creatures that are around the throne of God do not rest day or night, and they are saying "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come"
So, we see that they are constantly active, with their attention completely focused on the Lord, and they are saying things about God, that is, they are describing Him, basically in two ways.
First of all, God is Holy.
Secondly, God is Almighty.
Thirdly, God is eternal, was, is, and is to come.
What does Holy mean? The word in greek, is Hagios, meaning, sacred, pure, morally blameless, ceremonially consecrated, most holy. So, the creatures say it 3 times, over and over again. That God is Holy. This word is used all through the Bible, many, many times to speak of the Lord. He is other then us, He is different then anything else, or anyone else, He is above us. He is pure.
He is also Almighty. And the idea here is that of His complete power, unlimited power. He holds sway or rule over all things. He is the ruler of all.
The third area the creatures speak about is the fact that God is eternal. He was, that is, He existed in the past, He exists now, and will exist in the future, and is to come. Speaking of not only His future eternal existence, but as the book of Revelation explains, will once again be returning to the earth.
Now, whenever the four creatures speak, and give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne who lives forever and ever, here's what happens...........
The twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him.
They also cast their crowns before the throne saying, "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.
So, the four creatures are like worship leaders in a sense. And the 24 elders are somewhat like a congregation if you will. They respond in worship.
They fall down. Or they prostrate themselves before God.
They cast down their crowns before the thrones.
They declare that God is worthy to receive glory, honor and power.
They also declare that God has created all things.
They declare the will of God.
They declare that all exists and has been created by the will of God.
Some thoughts in reflection and application
1. All of what we have just read is currently going on in heaven at this moment.
2. God has existed forever in the past, and so has His throne.
3. The elders are never tired of worshipping the Lord.
4. These elders have crowns, that they take off and cast down.
5. Humility will permeate the air of heaven.
6. God as the eternal creator of all things is very understood.
7. We can worship throughout this very day also.
8. God is on His throne in full control of all that is going on in our lives.
9. May we be humble today, and each day.
10. We have been created by God also.
11. Let's join heaven in keeping God the primary focus of our lives today.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The four creatures around the throne of God.......
Here in Revelation 4:6-8a much is said about these four creatures, that is, what they look like, and what they say, and what happens when they say what they say.
First of all, there are said to be 4 of these creatures. See 4:6b. And, they are of course living, but they are full of eyes in front and back. What interesting creatures. John does not tell us much else about them, except what is said in the next few verses.
Secondly, John describes each one of them. The first one was like a lion, the second, like a calf, the third had the face of a man, and the fourth one, was like a flying eagle.
Thirdly, it's worth noting, that in 4:7, when John is attempting to describe these creatures, he uses the word "like" 3 times. So, the creatures were like etc, etc. This was his best attempt to tell us what he saw. They were like a lion, calf, man, and eagle.
Fourthly, each of the creatures had six wings, and then says "were full of eyes around and within" It's difficult to imagine what he saw. For example, a lion, with 6 wings, and eyes in front and back, and here, eyes around and within. 4:8a
Fifthly, these creatures never rest, not day or night. But, they are continually speaking, and here's what they say, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is, and is to come" So, they do talk, and all of their speech is really praise, and they are in their praise describing the Lord saying a number of things about Him. He is holy, He is the Lord God, He is Almighty, and He was, and He is, and He is to come.
Some further thought for reflection and application.
1. The throne is actually at the center of all this activity. God Himself on His Throne. His throne reminds of us of the fact, that God is in control of all things, since He is above and before all things.
2. The throne being central here, also reminds us of our keeping Christ central, or keeping Christ first, or keeping Him the main priority in our lives. He will be uppermost once we are in heaven. And, we can keep Him that way in our lives now day by day.
3. The creatures are alive, and so are we in Christ. We were dead, but now, we are alive.
4. The creatures are different looking from one another, but they are all tuned in as it were upon the Lord. We here in the body of Christ, are also very different one from another, yet, we have one Savior, one Lord, etc. We are alike in that regard.
5. The creatures have wings, which speak of movement. Only God knows what movement we will have once we arrive in heaven. Where will we go, what will we do, etc, etc. Again, only the Lord knows.
6. They have eyes all around and within. Eyes of course are for seeing. So, that which is outside of us, can be understood by our minds within. We once were blind to the things of God, but now we can see. And when we get to heaven, we will see the Lord as never before. There must be so much of God that these creatures need eyes in abundance to take in His great, great glory.
7. The creatures can move, see and they can speak. What they speak about is the Lord. And they say many things about Him. There is so much to say about God, and the Bible tells us all that God wants us to know for the time being.
8. The creatures are aware in detail of who the Lord is, and they talk about each of those truths. One that is of interest to us in this study, is the truth that the Lord "is to come" He is coming again to the earth. That's one of main and primary teachings here in the Book of Revelation.
9. May the Lord give us great understanding about Him. May we see Him through the eyes of faith, and may we move about in response to His will, and may we declare His greatness to any and to all that we may come in contact with.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
First of all, there are said to be 4 of these creatures. See 4:6b. And, they are of course living, but they are full of eyes in front and back. What interesting creatures. John does not tell us much else about them, except what is said in the next few verses.
Secondly, John describes each one of them. The first one was like a lion, the second, like a calf, the third had the face of a man, and the fourth one, was like a flying eagle.
Thirdly, it's worth noting, that in 4:7, when John is attempting to describe these creatures, he uses the word "like" 3 times. So, the creatures were like etc, etc. This was his best attempt to tell us what he saw. They were like a lion, calf, man, and eagle.
Fourthly, each of the creatures had six wings, and then says "were full of eyes around and within" It's difficult to imagine what he saw. For example, a lion, with 6 wings, and eyes in front and back, and here, eyes around and within. 4:8a
Fifthly, these creatures never rest, not day or night. But, they are continually speaking, and here's what they say, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is, and is to come" So, they do talk, and all of their speech is really praise, and they are in their praise describing the Lord saying a number of things about Him. He is holy, He is the Lord God, He is Almighty, and He was, and He is, and He is to come.
Some further thought for reflection and application.
1. The throne is actually at the center of all this activity. God Himself on His Throne. His throne reminds of us of the fact, that God is in control of all things, since He is above and before all things.
2. The throne being central here, also reminds us of our keeping Christ central, or keeping Christ first, or keeping Him the main priority in our lives. He will be uppermost once we are in heaven. And, we can keep Him that way in our lives now day by day.
3. The creatures are alive, and so are we in Christ. We were dead, but now, we are alive.
4. The creatures are different looking from one another, but they are all tuned in as it were upon the Lord. We here in the body of Christ, are also very different one from another, yet, we have one Savior, one Lord, etc. We are alike in that regard.
5. The creatures have wings, which speak of movement. Only God knows what movement we will have once we arrive in heaven. Where will we go, what will we do, etc, etc. Again, only the Lord knows.
6. They have eyes all around and within. Eyes of course are for seeing. So, that which is outside of us, can be understood by our minds within. We once were blind to the things of God, but now we can see. And when we get to heaven, we will see the Lord as never before. There must be so much of God that these creatures need eyes in abundance to take in His great, great glory.
7. The creatures can move, see and they can speak. What they speak about is the Lord. And they say many things about Him. There is so much to say about God, and the Bible tells us all that God wants us to know for the time being.
8. The creatures are aware in detail of who the Lord is, and they talk about each of those truths. One that is of interest to us in this study, is the truth that the Lord "is to come" He is coming again to the earth. That's one of main and primary teachings here in the Book of Revelation.
9. May the Lord give us great understanding about Him. May we see Him through the eyes of faith, and may we move about in response to His will, and may we declare His greatness to any and to all that we may come in contact with.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
What is around, from, and in front of God's throne in heaven?
See Revelation 4:4-6
John was invited to "come up here" in Rev 4:1, after having been shown a door that was open in heaven.
Immediately, "I was in the Spirit" as he says, and saw the throne of God and One that sat upon that throne. What John saw there was color, color, color. It's beautiful to read about, and imagine what it looks like, and then a blessing to know that we will see it also one day.
But, now in 4:4, he begins to tell us what was around the throne, and then what was coming from it, and then what was in front of this colorful throne, and in the midst of it, and again what was around it.
Around the throne, there were 24 thrones, with 24 elders sitting clothed in white robes, and, they had crowns of gold on their heads. See Rev 4:4
From the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. And, there were also 7 lamps of fire burning from before the throne which are the 7 Spirit's of God.
Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal.
And in the midst of the throne and around the throne were 4 living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.
Some things to reflect upon, and for application.
1. God is gracious and has brought others to be with Him in heaven and for all eternity.
This is clear from the 24 elders who are there around the throne of God. I'm not sure who these elders are, but, they are not angels, they appear to be men who were at one time here on the earth. At least that's my understanding. But, we know God brings people to heaven to enjoy His grace forever and ever.
2. God has clothed these 24 elders in white robes and placed crowns of gold on their heads. The Lord gives us the white robes of His righteousness to wear. We will have ( and do now in a real sense ) these robes of righteousness as well. The elders have crowns, and so will all of God's people to one degree or another. We will be given in heaven, rewards, i.e crowns for various aspects of our service here on earth. We will also reign and rule with Christ during the 1000 year reign of Jesus on the earth.
3. What John heard and saw from the throne, i.e the lightnings, and the thunderings and voices, we will also see and hear one day. This is reminiscent of what Moses and the children of Israel saw and heard from the mountain where the 10 commandments were given. It speaks of God's great power, and one can only try to imagine who these voices are, and what were they saying. We will learn a little bit of what's being said later in this fourth chapter. But, here in these verses today, it's not explained in any great detail to us. But, lighting and thunderings in our world remind us of how small we are, and how big and powerful what we call nature is. The skies and heavens roar sometimes and it almost shakes the earth below. The sound of powerful cracking in the skies makes us feel our smallness in any real storm above. What great eternal, infinite power there is in our God.
4. What is the sea of glass? I do not know, except to say that the word "sea" is used in Revelation, to describe vast multitudes of people. This sea in front of the throne is a sea of glass, like crystal.
Again, the use of the word "like" is seen here. This sea was "like" crystal, that's the best way that John could describe it. One thing that comes to my mind is, that this could in some way represent the multitudes of saved people, who are clear of all sin as it were. Crystal is clear. You can see right through it. We are cleared of all sin, no remembrance of them, all of them gone forever and ever, never to be mentioned again. All sin paid for.
5. These 4 living creatures that are around the throne will be explained in some detail in the next few verses. They also speak to and about God. See 4:8. We will see these creatures when we arrive in heaven. We also know that the 24 elders are affected and act when these 4 creatures give glory to God. And, then the elders speak out as well. All of the speech is really praise and adoration to the One who sits on the throne.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
John was invited to "come up here" in Rev 4:1, after having been shown a door that was open in heaven.
Immediately, "I was in the Spirit" as he says, and saw the throne of God and One that sat upon that throne. What John saw there was color, color, color. It's beautiful to read about, and imagine what it looks like, and then a blessing to know that we will see it also one day.
But, now in 4:4, he begins to tell us what was around the throne, and then what was coming from it, and then what was in front of this colorful throne, and in the midst of it, and again what was around it.
Around the throne, there were 24 thrones, with 24 elders sitting clothed in white robes, and, they had crowns of gold on their heads. See Rev 4:4
From the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. And, there were also 7 lamps of fire burning from before the throne which are the 7 Spirit's of God.
Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal.
And in the midst of the throne and around the throne were 4 living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.
Some things to reflect upon, and for application.
1. God is gracious and has brought others to be with Him in heaven and for all eternity.
This is clear from the 24 elders who are there around the throne of God. I'm not sure who these elders are, but, they are not angels, they appear to be men who were at one time here on the earth. At least that's my understanding. But, we know God brings people to heaven to enjoy His grace forever and ever.
2. God has clothed these 24 elders in white robes and placed crowns of gold on their heads. The Lord gives us the white robes of His righteousness to wear. We will have ( and do now in a real sense ) these robes of righteousness as well. The elders have crowns, and so will all of God's people to one degree or another. We will be given in heaven, rewards, i.e crowns for various aspects of our service here on earth. We will also reign and rule with Christ during the 1000 year reign of Jesus on the earth.
3. What John heard and saw from the throne, i.e the lightnings, and the thunderings and voices, we will also see and hear one day. This is reminiscent of what Moses and the children of Israel saw and heard from the mountain where the 10 commandments were given. It speaks of God's great power, and one can only try to imagine who these voices are, and what were they saying. We will learn a little bit of what's being said later in this fourth chapter. But, here in these verses today, it's not explained in any great detail to us. But, lighting and thunderings in our world remind us of how small we are, and how big and powerful what we call nature is. The skies and heavens roar sometimes and it almost shakes the earth below. The sound of powerful cracking in the skies makes us feel our smallness in any real storm above. What great eternal, infinite power there is in our God.
4. What is the sea of glass? I do not know, except to say that the word "sea" is used in Revelation, to describe vast multitudes of people. This sea in front of the throne is a sea of glass, like crystal.
Again, the use of the word "like" is seen here. This sea was "like" crystal, that's the best way that John could describe it. One thing that comes to my mind is, that this could in some way represent the multitudes of saved people, who are clear of all sin as it were. Crystal is clear. You can see right through it. We are cleared of all sin, no remembrance of them, all of them gone forever and ever, never to be mentioned again. All sin paid for.
5. These 4 living creatures that are around the throne will be explained in some detail in the next few verses. They also speak to and about God. See 4:8. We will see these creatures when we arrive in heaven. We also know that the 24 elders are affected and act when these 4 creatures give glory to God. And, then the elders speak out as well. All of the speech is really praise and adoration to the One who sits on the throne.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
What did John see through the door into heaven?
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
Calvary Chapel Visalia
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
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, January 23, 2012
"A look into heaven itself"
See Revelation chapter 4:1
Today, I'd like to simply look at the first verse of chapter 4.
After these things I looked and behold a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this"
The "after these things" is no doubt a reference to the things of chapters 2-3, which comprise 7 letters from Jesus to 7 actual churches that existed in John's day. These letters are also believed by many to comprise the entire age of the church, from the early church to the last days church.
So, the after these things may indeed be referencing the church age, and what is recorded for us in chapter 4, would be the things that will happen after the church age, or at the end of the church age. This is a very commonly held view by many very respected Bible commentators and scholars.
John tells us that "I looked and behold a door standing open in heaven" This is what he saw. A door that was open in heaven. He could see in past the door, looking into heaven itself.
Then, he says, "And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me" Later he will tell us what else he heard, but right off the bat, he heard this first voice. We don't know whose voice it was, only that it was a voice, and that it sounded like a trumpet speaking to him.
"Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this" So, John was being invited as it were to come up into heaven itself, to be shown the things which would take place after the church age.
Some things to consider........
1. After is a word meaning, hereafter, or with, that is, with this comes something later, or afterwards. And, we know from the Bible of course that there is something after this life, and the Bible calls it the "hereafter" It's the the after part, it's what comes after this life.
See Proverbs 23:18 for an encouraging promise about the next life.
2. We are blessed to have the Bible to tell us what is coming after the things of this life.
That is essentially what the Book of Revelation is about. God unveils for us, through Jesus Christ, His plans for the next life, and more specifically, the plans He has for the very end of the worlds existence as we know it.
3. John was enabled to see this door that was open and that was in heaven. An open door in heaven. Not only is heaven a real place, but there is a door now to heaven. That door is Jesus Christ Himself. John 10:9 "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture"
4. John heard a voice speaking to him, it was like a trumpet, very distinct and easily heard.
The Word of God the Bible is the voice of God as it were. It is very clear, very easy to be heard, and there is God's message to us in the Bible.
5. The invitation to John, was to "Come up here ......." How glorious, how wonderful to have this invitation. It's an invitation that has been extended to many of you who are reading this devotional today. You may have accepted the invitation already, that is, you have come to Christ the door, and are now saved, and you are on your way to heaven someday. Or you may be considering what you have heard. I pray you will accept Jesus Christ
6. There are things which must take place after this. God does have a plan, and He will see to it, that His plan does take place. You can count on it. God has promised it to you. What a blessing to know that God does have a plan for us for the future.
Blessings to you.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Today, I'd like to simply look at the first verse of chapter 4.
After these things I looked and behold a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this"
The "after these things" is no doubt a reference to the things of chapters 2-3, which comprise 7 letters from Jesus to 7 actual churches that existed in John's day. These letters are also believed by many to comprise the entire age of the church, from the early church to the last days church.
So, the after these things may indeed be referencing the church age, and what is recorded for us in chapter 4, would be the things that will happen after the church age, or at the end of the church age. This is a very commonly held view by many very respected Bible commentators and scholars.
John tells us that "I looked and behold a door standing open in heaven" This is what he saw. A door that was open in heaven. He could see in past the door, looking into heaven itself.
Then, he says, "And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me" Later he will tell us what else he heard, but right off the bat, he heard this first voice. We don't know whose voice it was, only that it was a voice, and that it sounded like a trumpet speaking to him.
"Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this" So, John was being invited as it were to come up into heaven itself, to be shown the things which would take place after the church age.
Some things to consider........
1. After is a word meaning, hereafter, or with, that is, with this comes something later, or afterwards. And, we know from the Bible of course that there is something after this life, and the Bible calls it the "hereafter" It's the the after part, it's what comes after this life.
See Proverbs 23:18 for an encouraging promise about the next life.
2. We are blessed to have the Bible to tell us what is coming after the things of this life.
That is essentially what the Book of Revelation is about. God unveils for us, through Jesus Christ, His plans for the next life, and more specifically, the plans He has for the very end of the worlds existence as we know it.
3. John was enabled to see this door that was open and that was in heaven. An open door in heaven. Not only is heaven a real place, but there is a door now to heaven. That door is Jesus Christ Himself. John 10:9 "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture"
4. John heard a voice speaking to him, it was like a trumpet, very distinct and easily heard.
The Word of God the Bible is the voice of God as it were. It is very clear, very easy to be heard, and there is God's message to us in the Bible.
5. The invitation to John, was to "Come up here ......." How glorious, how wonderful to have this invitation. It's an invitation that has been extended to many of you who are reading this devotional today. You may have accepted the invitation already, that is, you have come to Christ the door, and are now saved, and you are on your way to heaven someday. Or you may be considering what you have heard. I pray you will accept Jesus Christ
6. There are things which must take place after this. God does have a plan, and He will see to it, that His plan does take place. You can count on it. God has promised it to you. What a blessing to know that God does have a plan for us for the future.
Blessings to you.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, January 21, 2012
"Jesus opens and closes doors"
In Revelation 3, the Lord Jesus Christ is unveiled for us, and we see not only Him as revealed in chapter 1, and then the churches are addressed, and then we see the things that will happen in the world.
But, in looking at the churches, let's just take another look at one of the things that Jesus said to the church in Philadelphia. See Rev 3:7-13 for the entire message to this church.
First of all, the Lord identifies Himself ( among other things ) as "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens"
So, the Lord has what is called the Key of David. This phrase if found in Isaiah 22:22.
In this portion of Isaiah, the Lord through the prophet was speaking to Judah, and was denouncing those nations that had at some time or another persecuted Judah, and also teaches that God is universally sovereign.
The particular section in Isa 22, is speaking of the death of a man named Shebna, and his replacement by God of a man named Eliakim, who would be given a position of responsibility over the house of Judah.
The key of David, is speaking of being in that position, and having the power to make decisions. Isaiah went on to speak of Eliakim, saying, " I will fasten him as a peg in a secure place, and he will become a glorious throne to his father's house.
So, Jesus in Rev 3, uses a portion of Isa 22, to speak of Himself as being in the position of power and responsibility and sovereignty.
Jesus is encouraging the church of Philadelphia to know that He is in the position to lead, to guide, and that no one can counter what He may want to do. For example, if He wants to open a door, there is no one who can counter that open door by shutting it. And, on the other hand, if He wants to close a door, there is no one who can counter it by opening it.
Jesus went on to say that He had set before this church "an open door"
Paul used similar language in his speaking to the Corinthian church . See 1 Cor 16:9 "For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries."
Paul was using this language to speak about the possibility of expanding ministry, and of moving ministry into a new area. And, Paul recognized that this door that had opened, had been opened by someone other then himself. He implies that. He also mentions that on the other side, or around that door are many adversaries Doors and adversaries went together in this instance, as it seems they generally do in our service to Christ.
But, the thought here for our own consideration, is from my own mind, the thought of what doors are open to any of us in our service to Christ? What might the Lord be opening up for you at this time in your life and ministry? Where is the Lord leading you, and how would you describe the opportunities for ministry that are in front of you?
And, a companion thought would be, what doors are closing?
It's encouraging to me to recognize that the door is not just there by itself, but the Lord is in charge of doors. He holds the key. Doors need keys, and He is the holder of the key.
He opens and no one can close.
Try to imagine for a moment, someone, or a group of people who may be doing all they can to close a door that Jesus has opened. They might all push together, but to no avail. Because if the Lord has opened that door, they, those people do not have a greater power then Jesus does. They cannot close what He has opened.
I find great comfort in Christ's Leadership and power. I trust you do as well.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
But, in looking at the churches, let's just take another look at one of the things that Jesus said to the church in Philadelphia. See Rev 3:7-13 for the entire message to this church.
First of all, the Lord identifies Himself ( among other things ) as "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens"
So, the Lord has what is called the Key of David. This phrase if found in Isaiah 22:22.
In this portion of Isaiah, the Lord through the prophet was speaking to Judah, and was denouncing those nations that had at some time or another persecuted Judah, and also teaches that God is universally sovereign.
The particular section in Isa 22, is speaking of the death of a man named Shebna, and his replacement by God of a man named Eliakim, who would be given a position of responsibility over the house of Judah.
The key of David, is speaking of being in that position, and having the power to make decisions. Isaiah went on to speak of Eliakim, saying, " I will fasten him as a peg in a secure place, and he will become a glorious throne to his father's house.
So, Jesus in Rev 3, uses a portion of Isa 22, to speak of Himself as being in the position of power and responsibility and sovereignty.
Jesus is encouraging the church of Philadelphia to know that He is in the position to lead, to guide, and that no one can counter what He may want to do. For example, if He wants to open a door, there is no one who can counter that open door by shutting it. And, on the other hand, if He wants to close a door, there is no one who can counter it by opening it.
Jesus went on to say that He had set before this church "an open door"
Paul used similar language in his speaking to the Corinthian church . See 1 Cor 16:9 "For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries."
Paul was using this language to speak about the possibility of expanding ministry, and of moving ministry into a new area. And, Paul recognized that this door that had opened, had been opened by someone other then himself. He implies that. He also mentions that on the other side, or around that door are many adversaries Doors and adversaries went together in this instance, as it seems they generally do in our service to Christ.
But, the thought here for our own consideration, is from my own mind, the thought of what doors are open to any of us in our service to Christ? What might the Lord be opening up for you at this time in your life and ministry? Where is the Lord leading you, and how would you describe the opportunities for ministry that are in front of you?
And, a companion thought would be, what doors are closing?
It's encouraging to me to recognize that the door is not just there by itself, but the Lord is in charge of doors. He holds the key. Doors need keys, and He is the holder of the key.
He opens and no one can close.
Try to imagine for a moment, someone, or a group of people who may be doing all they can to close a door that Jesus has opened. They might all push together, but to no avail. Because if the Lord has opened that door, they, those people do not have a greater power then Jesus does. They cannot close what He has opened.
I find great comfort in Christ's Leadership and power. I trust you do as well.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
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