August 25: THE SPOILS OF WAR
And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God. Revelation 11:16
It would be neat to know who these twenty-four elders are! Sometimes our natural curiosity will direct our attention to things other than the main lessons. But let us satisfy that curiosity so far as we can, according to the Scriptures. These heavenly residents praised Jesus as He took the sealed scroll from His heavenly Father’s hand during His post-ascension throne room ordination: And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; for You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God…” (5:9-10a).
This new song indicates that they had only recently arrived in heaven. The number of them, twenty-four, points to leadership (12) times two, highlighting a dozen faithful leaders from those who lived in Old Testament times and an additional dozen faithful leaders from New Testament times. Whoever they are, they know that they are there because of the exorbitant redemption price that Jesus paid for their sins.
Matthew pointed out that the death of Jesus was followed by numerous dramatic events: the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom . . . the earth quaked . . . rocks split, and graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many (Matthew 27:51-53).
Building on the theme of resurrection, Paul quoted from the Psalms as he encouraged each of us to live up to our calling even NOW: But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” (Ephesians 4:7-8)
There is an ancient custom in which a victorious warrior returning home leads a train of captives behind him. Such captives are considered the “spoils of war” and they are forced into this procession. But when Jesus, our victorious Commander-in-Chief, ascended into heaven, those in His train of captives were, and are, thankful to be representatives of the spoils of war! They are thankful to have been conquered by His love (see Revelation 6:2).
Though we do not know exactly who these twenty-four elders are, we do know that they sit upon thrones because Jesus has made [them] kings… And we know that they love and worship the King of kings as they cast their crowns before Him (4:10)!
Every time we encounter these heavenly residents, they are worshiping God. Their love for Him is profoundly evident. Therefore, beloved, let us be satisfied for now to know what they are doing, for the central issue of the great controversy is this: to whom do you give your worship? Let us be certain to worship only the one, true God, the Creator and Redeemer, in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). These 24 human residents of heaven are a representation of all of the redeemed who are soon to reside there. Meanwhile, with thankful hearts, let us point others to the Redeemer, that Man with the nail-scarred hands . . . To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5b-6)