In chapter 4 of
Revelation, John is given a visionary glimpse into the very throne room of
God. He has the difficult task of
describing heavenly realities in human language. The first sight that demands his attention is
God Himself, seated on His throne. What
he sees is best characterized in terms of brilliant colors and symbolic
images. Surrounding God’s throne are
twenty-four more thrones -- occupied by
twenty-four white-clad and golden-crowned elders. Lightning and thunder, symbolic of the great
power and glory of God, radiate outward from the Divine Presence. In close proximity to the throne are seven
lamps of fire, signifying the Holy Spirit.
Also around the throne are four bizarre heavenly attendants, called
living creatures in the NASB. Their
full-time job appears to be offering praise and worship to God. Near the end of the chapter, these creatures
launch into a praise chorus, prompting the twenty-four elders prostrate
themselves before the throne of God.
What an amazing scene!
The imagery in this
chapter is indeed intense. But as I
worked my way through the chapter, I was especially impressed by one particular
image. As the supporting cast in the
vision offer their praise to God, the twenty-four elders are pictured as
casting their own crowns before the throne of God. The fact that they had their own crowns imply
some level of personal power and authority in the overall scheme of
things. But each one willingly
surrenders his own crown in humble deference to the One who wields ultimate
power and authority. Amazing!
While I don’t have a
literal crown to cast before the Ultimate King, I pause to reflect upon my own
submission before God. Do I trust and
honor Him enough to willingly cast before Him what is valuable in my own “realm”
of influence -- things like my marriage, my family, my friends, my livelihood,
or my future? As important as each of
these are, do I grasp them so tightly that I can’t surrender each of them to
the One who values them more than I do?
God loves you!
Mike
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