When considering the amazing book of Revelation, I sometimes shudder as I contemplate the trials and tribulations the apostle John forewarns will occur prior to Jesus’ return. Recently, however, I joined thousands of men and women around the world for an in-depth, yearlong study of Revelation.
As we’ve turned the pages and studied each chapter and verse, a theme has jumped out at me that I’d never realized was so central to Revelation: the throne of God. In Revelation 4:1-6, we learn that John was given a glimpse of God seated on His throne before writing of future events including trials and tribulations. Mentioned 16 times in Revelation 4 and 5, God’s throne is the focal point around which everything in Revelation revolves.
The brilliance and holiness of God on His throne (Revelation 4:1-3) can surely move us to worship Him, proclaim His reality, and trust Him to save us. And when we, by faith, gain access to the Father through His Son Jesus Christ (John 1:18), we begin to grasp the significance of what God’s throne symbolizes: His absolute rule, His sovereignty, and His majesty (Revelation 4:2-6).
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come!” These words are unceasingly proclaimed by the elders and worshipers surrounding God’s throne (Revelation 4:8).
Seated on His throne is Jesus, our High Priest, who’s able to sympathize with our weaknesses and who has “faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” He calls us to “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God,” receiving mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:14-16). We may shudder in reverent fear as we approach, but He calls us to His throne out of love.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 17:16-34
More:
Read Isaiah 6:1-8 and consider Isaiah’s response to his vision of God seated on His throne.
Next:
What do you think the book of Revelation would look like if God’s throne wasn’t the central theme? How do you typically approach God in prayer and worship?
Gary Shultz on November 4, 2016 at 6:25 am
Roxanne, I’m sure you were blessed with that study. I have not noticed a theme of such proportion. I have noticed one thing; however, when Jesus give a sample of prayer for us, and immediately for His disciples, the focus is on Heaven and God being there. “Our Father who is in Heaven”, then “Holy is your name”, “Thy kingdom come”, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”. I remind myself God is much larger than this earth and our concerns. My mind must be taken to a heavenly scene. If we can not see heaven and see God as King over all, we loose a point Christ tried to make all of His earthly life. “I must be about my Father’s business”, and He was going to where His father is. We are headed toward heaven, earth in it’s present form is not it, and we need to know some of the greatness that is our Father and surrounds His holiness. These things should produce hope, praise, direction, and Thanksgiving. Thanks Roxanne
godlove on November 4, 2016 at 6:27 am
The passage about Isaiah in the More section is quite clear: we need to be cleansed before we can approach the holy Throne of our God and King. Praise God that the blood of His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is available to cleanse and purify us from all sins (1 John 1:7). Therefore we can confidently come, with reverence, to His divine Throne, knowing that Christ’s blood has cleansed us from our sins. I think the book of Revelation is the most fitting conclusion to the Good Book. In as much as Genesis recounts the beginning, the creation of heaven and earth, Revelation concludes the story of the world with visions of the end, what is expected to happen. Well, not exactly the end, as there is no end to eternity (a concept which my mind struggles with: what is eternity, and how can there be no end?). But rather it is the end of this Age and the coming of a new Age where “there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain”. Sometimes I feel a little bit of apprehension when reading Revelation, but the picture in Revelation 21 : 1-7 is very appealing and most reassuring. Thank you for this thought provoking post, Roxanne. Blessed weekend to you and to all, with love.
gagirllive on November 4, 2016 at 7:41 am
Hi, Roxanne. Some parts of the book of Revelation are frightening enough even though I know that there is a Sovereign God bringing all things on earth to a culmination. But the thought of all those things transpiring in the absence of the throne is unimaginable. Every king must have a throne. It is his seat of power, majesty, and rule. If the theme of God’s throne was not central to Revelation, I shudder to think of the magnitude of what its absence would imply. God’s sovereignty has always been a great comfort to me. Knowing that Someone reigns over and has sent us a Rescue from the craziness and depravity of this life is what keeps me from despair. But Revelation is not the only place this theme is found. It is central to all of scripture because Christ the King is the central figure from Genesis to Revelation. “Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, invincible in battle!” (Psalm 24: 8) Jesus is the King of glory! In Galilee John walked with Jesus as King of the Jews, but in Revelation John saw Jesus, the King of the world! The day is soon coming when we will see Him too. Praise God! May we approach His throne now with deep reverence, love, and gratitude for what He has done for us and for what we have yet to experience throughout eternity at His throne. Natalie Grant has a beautiful song out called “King of the World”. Perfect fit for today’s devo. Worth checking out. Thanks, Roxanne, for blessing us today. Grace and peace to all.
kauai143 on November 4, 2016 at 7:54 am
Roxanne, I did the same study. What an awesome privilege we have as believers, to approach the throne of Almighy God…..and be accepted! Thank you Jesus! It’s all because of what you did at Calvary that I have this privilege. To God be the glory!!!
Tom Felten on November 4, 2016 at 9:15 am
Thanks for this timely post, Roxanne. When it feels like so much of the world and its authorities are out of control, what an encouragement it is to know that our God reigns and reigns with absolute authority!
minkjh on November 4, 2016 at 10:39 am
There are many attributes we can apply to the nature and character of God, but the one that has the greatest significance for me is that of God’s holiness. The texts Roxanne selected from Isaiah and Revelation confirm this in awesome detail. The Trisagion (Holy, Holy, Holy) is a Hebrew literary device used for emphasis, and holiness is the only attribute of God that is so designated in scripture. We rightly speak so much of God’s love, truth, mercy, and grace yet none of these are exalted in his Word as is holiness. May our worship and our handling of scripture always reflect and honor the holiness of God.
sim jing ying on November 4, 2016 at 12:11 pm
I would think that the revelation will be directionless as no target in sight and Jesus Christ is the perfect example and only example. I do approach God in prayer when my prayer isn’t still answered and I’ll read the Bible to correct my prayers too. I do worship God by truly focused on understanding the lyrics of the worship song sung.