Rev. 4:1-3; Psalm 35:11-22

Rev. 4:1-3
You might recall that Rev. 1:19 gives us a sort of outline for this book.
I.  Things John had seen. Chapter 1.  In a vision, John saw the exalted Christ.
II. Things which are. Chapers 2 and 3.  The messages to the 7 Churches
III. Things which are to come. Chapters 4-22

Chapter 4 begins this third section--the things which are to come. The Bible from which I am reading gives Chapter 4 the title "The Throne in Heaven." Warren Wiersbe says that "throne" is a key word in Revelation being used 14 times in Chapter 4 and 46 times in the book. I think it's safe to visualize God on a throne! No matter what may happen in this temporary world, God is on His throne, and unlike earthly rulers, He is in complete control!

God miraculously gives John, "in the Spirit," an inside look at heaven. John saw a door open in heaven, and a trumpet-like voice told him to "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this."

• The Almighty God sits on the throne. Other places in the Bible tell us that a human cannot look at God directly. John here seems to describe Him in terms of reflected brilliance. Even this description is of course inadequate because no human words can really describe God. John says He had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. Jasper is a clear gem and carnelian is red. "A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne." Emerald is of course green. The rainbow was apparently a complete circle since it encircled the throne. The rainbow as a symbol always reminds of God's promise to Noah that He would never again destroy the earth with a flood. However, a very great judgement is coming, and the rainbow reminds us of God's mercy and His promises to His people.

Tomorrow we will look at what is around the throne and before the throne.

Psalm 35:11-22
In vv. 1-10, David was asking God to rescue him from physical enemies and danger. In vv. 11 and following he asks God for relief from other kinds of problems.

• People who ask threatening questions. v. 11
• People who repay evil for good. vv. 12-14
• People who rejoice at your misfortunes. vv. 15-16
• People who slander you and falsely accuse you. v. 15, 20-21
• People who hate you without reason. v. 19

David asks God to vindicate Him vv. 22-26, and he had faith that God would answer his prayer. "May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, 'The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.' My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long."