From the book of Revelation written by John of things that must shortly take place (v.1:1)
- John wrote in chapters 2-3 giving warning to all seven churches concluding seven times with “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”
- This was said even to the two churches that Jesus praised…
- The persecuted church in Smyrna is told do not fear any of those things you are about to suffer…be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (v. 2:10).
- To the other faithful church in Philadelphia Jesus says, “you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name” (v.8)
- (v.10), “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world”
Then at at verses 21-22 Jesus says, “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.””
It will be a wonderful and glorious experience for all the faithful children of God come judgement Day…
- Frightful—yes—but when the faithful are declared such by the Lamb of God—
- When the faithful hear those long awaited for words, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’” (Matt. 25:34)
- That’s when fear will melt away—and be replaced by eternal joy, eternal bliss, and the realization of eternal life in heaven.
Then John said…
“1 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.” 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 [a]And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white [b]robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.” (Revelation 4:1-4).
In Revelation chapters 4 and 5 John is privileged to see, and witness something wonderful. John records for us a description of a scene around the throne in heaven in which the Lord is receiving the praise which He alone deserves. In the vision John emphasized three reasons why the Lord was worthy of the praise He was receiving.
We begin with He was Praised because of Creation…