Rev. 4:4-11 ; Psalm 36

Rev. 4:4-11

Today we will look at what is around the Throne of God. Tomorrow we will see what proceeded from the throne and what stood before the throne.

When we study literature (and the Bible is literature), one of the ways we learn about a character is to notice how the other characters react to him or her. This is true of the description of God.

Around the throne of God:

• 24 other thrones, and seated on them were 24 elders, v 4. We are not told the exact identity of these elders. Some think they may represent all of God's people--enthroned and rewarded. The number 24 could come from the 12 tribes and Israel and the 12 apostles encompassing both Old and New Testament believers. (We would be considered New Testament believers.)
• 4 living creatures, vv. 6-8. These creatures are apparently symbolic of God's creation. Notice that each one is like something in creation. They are "covered with eyes, in front and in back." All creation "sees" and recognizes God. They each had 6 wings. "Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."
• 24 elders and 4 living creatures. We can learn much about God by seeing how these two groups together reacted to God Almighty. "Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the 24 elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: '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."
• Twice it mentions that God lives forever and ever. He is eternal
• He is holy.
• He is the Lord God Almighty. He has unlimited power.
• He was, and is, and is to come. He is eternal.
• We will bow down and worship Him. We should be worshiping Him now!
• We should give Him glory, honor, and thanks.
• He is the Creator.

Psalm 36
This psalm gives a dramatic contrast between the sinfulness of the wicked and the goodness of God.
vv. 1-4 describe the wicked man, and it's an ugly picture:

• He does not fear God.
• He flatters himself.
• He does not detect or hate his sin.
• His words are wicked and deceitful.
• He is not wise.
• He does not do good.
• He plots evil.
• He does not reject what is wrong.

And so what does the psalmist say about God? vv. 5-12

• His love reaches to the heavens.
• His faithfulness to the skies.
• His righteousness is like the mighty mountains.
• His justice is like the great deep.
• He preserves both man and beast.
• His unfailing love is priceless.
• Great men and lowly find refuge in the shadow of His wings.
• He gives us life-sustaining food and water.
• He offers us salvation! v. 9 "For with you is the fountain of life; in your light, we see light."
• His love and righteousness will continue to those who know Him.
• He will protect His own.

For our meditation: "Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies."