May 23: PEACE IN PREPARATION FOR TESTING

Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and back. Revelation 4:6

As John attempts to describe a magnificent scene unlike anything he has ever seen, he must choose the most prominent aspects. Fortunately, the consistency of Scripture aids us in visualizing this enormous, glorious chamber of thrones. The word sea carries the idea of vastness. But, unlike a storm-tossed sea, it is smooth like glass symbolizing perfect peace. Glancing back to the days of Moses….and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity (Exodus 24:10). A sea of glass or a paved work of sapphire stone, like crystal, all seem to allude to the indescribable beauty and solidity of the character of our God. He is a solid Rock upon which to stand during every test! His Ten Commandment Law is the standard by which we are to be judged (James 1:25; 2:12). And like every good teacher, we are given to know and study those things upon which we will be tested. Many Jewish scholars believe and teach that the original writing of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 32:16) by the finger of God was on sapphire tablets cut from the base of His throne. Blue symbolizes law, loyalty, and obedience (see Numbers 15:38). After Moses broke this pair of tablets (32:19), he was instructed to supply another pair of tablets cut from earthly stone (34:1) and bring them back up the mountain. Again, God Himself wrote the words of His perfect law, codified for forgetful man.

The second layer of the heavenly Jerusalem’s foundation is sapphire. Recall that the first is jasper. God’s perfect law of liberty (James 1:25) rests upon His perfect and transparent love.

The abiding, majestic presence of the four living creatures in God’s throne room becomes evident in looking back to Ezekiel’s vision (chapter 1). These beings are exalted angelic beings. The number four is prominent in creation, among created things. There are four seasons, four navigational directions, etc. It follows three, which points to the self-existent trinity. The multifaceted nature of God, who has always existed, is expressed as Three Persons in One. His unfathomable love is expressed in Creation. The Greek word for a living creature is zoon which refers to a thinking, reasoning creature. This is in contrast to therion which means wild beast activated by instinct. The four living creatures are full of eyes in front and back, indicating a highly developed ability for making sense of all that they see. These exalted angelic beings have a somewhat mysterious and symbolic connection between God and His creation. Ezekiel’s visions of God came during the 70-year Babylonian captivity. The messages conveyed to those generations pointed to the glory of the future to come after judgment. Today, the entire world is called Babylon (Revelation 18:2). We are living in a final season of judgment that precedes our Savior’s return. If you and I want to come out alive, now is the time to put to death (Romans 8:13) every lawbreaking aspect of our lives.  

And the [four] living creatures ran back and forth, in appearance like a flash of lightning. Ezekiel 1:14

For further study: Psalm 119:165; Genesis 2:10; Isaiah 11:12; Jeremiah 49:36; Matthew 24:31; Colossians 3:5; Revelation 7:1