Week of October 20, 2024
John’s account of Jesus’ Revelation moves in chapter 4 from the messages of Jesus given to the seven churches to the heavenly throne room and a portrayal of divine glory and majesty. This moves the residents of heaven to worship God. Respond to this week’s Scriptures by being moved to worship Him.
Monday | Revelation 4:1-7
Describe a particularly “glorious” scene you have experienced. Pastor Mark saw a spectacular waterfall last week in Georgia but would have difficulty finding words to describe it. The same might well be true for John’s description of the heavenly throne room. Words aren’t adequate! Scholar G.K. Beale notes regarding verse 2: “Thronos (“throne”) as God’s throne occurs 17 times in chs. 4–5 (of 38 occurrences in chs. 4–22). The high frequency in chs. 4–5 emphasizes that, although God’s realm is separated from the earthly, he is nevertheless in control over earth’s affairs. Regardless of how rampant evil seems to run and to cause God’s people to suffer, they can know that his hand superintends everything for their good and his glory.” How is it comforting to know that God reigns? Why would this have been so important for the first generations of Christians? Why so for us also today?
Tuesday | Revelation 4:8-11
This portion of Revelation leaves us with a sense of wonder. These four living creatures with eyes all around and within “see” God in all His glory. What do you “see” as you look to Jesus? Does it bring you to a place of worship? If not, what are you missing in “seeing” God’s character (His glory)? What makes God worthy of all our praise? Spend some moments worshipping using the words of v. ll.
Wednesday | Ezekiel 1:1-21
What stands out to you about the details Ezekiel gives regarding the living creatures in heaven? What parallels are found in Revelation 4 which we read earlier this week? A favorite perspective in the early church on the four living creatures is that they stand for the four Gospel writers. Augustine has the lion as Matthew, the man as Mark, the ox as Luke, and the eagle as John. What ideas do you have regarding these symbols? Ezekiel writes in v.22 that “the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.” What do you think that this symbol means? How does the Holy Spirit give you “wheels”? Toward what does it move you?
Thursday | Ezekiel 1:22-28
What stands out to you about the details Ezekiel gives regarding heaven? What parallels are found in Revelation 4 which we read earlier this week? G.K. Beale notes, “The placement of “jasper” at the beginning of the list in 4:3 underscores the association of divine glory since it is the only stone in (Revelation) ch. 21 that is explicitly linked to glory (in 21:11 the latter-day city has “the glory of God”).” In what ways is God beautiful? How do you experience that beauty? In what ways is God glorious? How do you experience that glory? How and when do such experiences lead you to worship?
Friday | Isaiah 6:1-8
John’s vision was similar to the vision Isaiah had had almost 8 centuries before. Isaiah is overwhelmed by the glory of God. Yahweh was “high and lifted up” – set apart; and the seraphim were worshipping – giving God honor and glory. What is Isaiah’s response to being in the presence of one so majestic? How does our sinful nature separate us from a holy God? What does God do for Isaiah to make things right? What does He do for us? Reflect on this statement: “God has to do a work in us before He can work through us. He cannot use what He has not cleansed.”
