Spoiler Alert: Next week we’re going to turn the page from Revelation 4 to Revelation 5 and guess who we will find in God’s throne room?

“Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders.”
Revelation 5:6a

This Lamb alone among all creatures by the throne will be declared worthy, for:

“…you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.”
Revelation 5:9b-10

The week after that, we will look at Revelation 21 where what is “unveiled” is a city coming down to earth from heaven. As this happens, a voice from the throne says:

 “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:3b-4

The story of heaven is too wonderful for us to wrap our minds around. In some real yet transcendent way, God has been enthroned in heaven (His throne-room) for all eternity—and will continue to be for all eternity. While God is here on earth and present with us now—and while He reigns here now—a day is coming when the fullness of salvation, currently manifest in heaven, will be fully manifest with us here on earth. When God’s full presence and reign will be embodied among us.

Can you imagine? This will be salvation, indeed.

“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:9b-10

 “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.”
Revelation 21:6b

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • What do you think of God’s salvation plan?
  • Can you imagine a day when, in resurrection, we dwell with God here fully?
  • How can you join God’s redemptive, nurturing work on this earth in the meantime?

Church Reading Plan: 

  • Today, May 10: Isaiah 8:1-9:7; James 2
  • Saturday, May 11: Isaiah 9:8-10:4; James 3
  • Sunday, May 12: Isaiah 10:5-34; James 4