A Revelation Invitation

At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. (Revelation 4:2-3 ESV)

When Jesus is introduced in Revelation we are given a detailed picture of “one like a son of man”, we are shown a lion who is also a lamb, we watch “a male child” snatched up to heaven, we are presented with a rider on a white horse accompanied by the armies of heaven (what have I missed?). When we look for God in Revelation, what do we see? All we are showed is his throne. The one description we have the image of him who is seated on that throne is that he “had the appearance of jasper and carnelian” (4:3). (Picture above shows a jasper stone.) Later, John hears a voice come from the thrown which describes as “loud” (19:5; 21:3). That’s it. I can only guess why a more detailed description is never given.

Regardless, the throne is one of the major characters in the Revelation narrative—the throne appears in 14 of Revelation’s 22 chapters. That fact is significant. He who sits on the throne, “the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (4:8b), is he who reigns over all creation. He is mightier than all the forces of chaos and disorder that threaten his kingdom (pictured as the sea from which the first beast arises – 13:1ff). This is the grand truth of Revelation and is demonstrated in many ways throughout. As hard as they try to usurp his authority, the forces of evil never come close to threatening it. However, he gives evil much leeway on earth, as in enough rope to hang itself. Evil and the powers and systems it inspires always collapse under their own weight. Destruction is inevitable. And ultimately, God will banish evil forever. What a great hope we have. As I read Revelation I stand in awe of the power that emanates from the throne and the ease with which he handles evil.

The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty;
    the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Your throne is established from of old;
    you are from everlasting.
The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
    the floods have lifted up their voice;
    the floods lift up their roaring.
Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
    mightier than the waves of the sea,
    the Lord on high is mighty!
Your decrees are very trustworthy;
    holiness befits your house,
    O Lord, forevermore. (Psalm 93 ESV)

(Part 2 of “The Throne” is here.)