Session 3 – Chapter 4 - 5
Summary
· John “in the spirit” – pointing readers to a view of Jesus that looks beyond the physical
· God’s throne from the perspective of heaven – key elements – seated, rainbow, spirit before the throne, 24 elders, sea of glass.
· Purpose of chapter 4 & 5
§ God is ruling, in total control, conquered rebellious humanity
§ Heaven is at perfect peace – this is at the heart of the whole book of Revelation / it establishes how we interpret the following chapters.
· The four living creatures (Ezekiel 1)
§ Creation in perfect order
· Sea of glass – humanity pacified and at peace (contrast with Daniel 7)
· The scroll – the story of humanity / meaning of history
§ Only Jesus has authority to open
· Messianic titles – Lion of Judah, The Root of David
§ Implication of royalty and power
· The Lamb – looking as if it had been slain
§ The person and work through which all of history is defined and understood
· New song – they see creation made new and worship with a new song
· We reign and serve on earth by our worship
Scripture references
· Ezekiel 1
· Daniel 7
· 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
· Romans 8:18-25
Questions
1. How do the different symbolic elements in the throne room contribute to our understanding of God’s rule over His creation?
2. Why, from the perspective of heaven, is Jesus still represented as a Lamb that was slain?
3. How do our lives actually express our prayer “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”?
