A Revelation Invitation

After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” (Revelation 7:1-3)

I don’t know about you, but I love a window seat when I fly. The view from thirty thousand feet is awesome. There is so much about God’s creation that is revealed from that height that I cannot appreciate when I am standing in the middle of a forest or field or on a city sidewalk. I see contours and waterways. I observe highways and towns. I notice the patchwork of farm land and the transition of nature’s habitats. I gaze out over thunder storm clouds. I also realize how small I am, and begin to appreciate how great my God is who created it all.

When speaking of God’s good creation, John employs the number four. That probably surprises no one. It only makes sense. A compass has four points. Maps are usually printed with the same four directions in mind. John uses the same language we do referring to the “four corners of the earth” even though we know that the earth has no corners. When John uses the number four in this way, he is symbolizing the totality of creation, the whole breadth of the earth. The verses quoted above illustrate this.

In that passage John gives us great assurance that God’s people are loved, cared for and protected from harm. The expression the four corners of the earth, is followed with the four winds held back by four angels. These are the divinely ordained winds of chaos and destruction restrained through divine intervention for the sake of God’s servants. Notice the repeated emphasis in this passage on the land, the sea and trees. God’s creation with us in it is his focus. Judgment is coming on the world, but God’s people will be protected through it.

John subtly employs the symbolism of four without explicitly using the number itself. For example:

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
    be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13)

Notice what all creation is expressing: praise, honor, glory and power. Creation itself recognizes four specific characteristics of its creator. There is no secret knowledge revealed here, no particular theological significance attested to by these four qualities other than the greatness of God as expressed by his creation. Let this expression of praise be an inspiration in your own prayer life. Spend time each day when you bow before your creator to join with your fellow creatures in his praises. Recognize God’s glory. Honor him as your creator. Acknowledge his power and authority over the nations. He is sovereign over all to the four corners of the earth.