December 6, 2010
Revelation 4
Pastor JoAn Blackmon
“What does God look like?”
I remember the story of a little girl asking her dad this question. He explained patiently that while the Bible gives us glimpses, no one really knows for sure. Taking her colors and paper, the budding artist promptly set to work, saying, “Well, they will when I’m through!”
Reading Revelation 4 actually allows us to “see” God like no other passage. In John’s vision, he walked through an open door, right into heaven! His eyes are captivated by the center of everything there - the throne of the Living God. The One seated on that throne had an appearance so dazzling, it can only be described as resembling what we know as flashes of lightning, with color radiating as brilliant gemstones.
Seven torches of fire were burning in front of the throne, which is encircled by a crystal-like “sea.” The voice of God speaks and in the ears of this human witness, it sounds and feels like thunder.
Several verses describe the beings that encircle God’s throne. I’ll leave it to the experts to debate the 24 elders’ identity or the significance of the four living creatures. However, this much is obvious - in heaven, those who are closest to God are worshiping God.
It should teach us something, I think, if we can really grasp this. These beings who are constantly declaring the Holiness and eternal nature of God…these creatures who give glory and honor and thanks to Him…these elders who cannot stay seated in their place while He is seated in His...these are the ones who see Him up close… and all they can do is worship.
So back to the question, “What does God look like?” After reading this, we know a little more, but it is still a mystery. There is no mystery, though, about one thing - and that’s what we’ll be doing when we see Him:
“…day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, Who was, and is, and is to come.’” Revelation 4:8b
“…You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11
When asked to describe her favorite meal, Pastor JoAn identified “pasta of just about any kind!”
