Response and Responsibility

In Chapter 4 of the Revelation, we are given a vision of God's throne as John saw it after he was called up to Heaven. In this room, which we call a room in order to put a container on that which cannot be contained, are many wonders. John sees the 24 elders, the four living creatures, He who sat on the throne and the throne itself with its magnificent emerald aura. For those who struggle to find a meaning in every bit of the Revelation, this chapter raises more questions than answers. Who are the 24 elders? Where do they come from? Are they humans from the Earth or have they always been there in Heaven? What call to action do we gain from Revelation 4? What does this represent in the future?

Perhaps God is not looking to place a responsibility on us in this vision related through John, but to gain a response. We see into God's throne as John places the best words he can on what he has witnessed for us. There is no question to answer, no duty to perform. What God wants is our response. Wonder, awe, a certain difficulty in even coming up with a mental picture of what John has written. We gaze upon the heavenly words of Revelation 4 with earthly eyes, of course we come up short of seeing what John witnessed. The four living creatures are marvelous and almost completely strange to us. The 24 elders are an enigma. The throne of God awe-inspiring and too wonderful for a clear picture. Lightnings and thunderings? Is that its normal condition or is a storm brewing in Heaven? Voices from the throne - what are they saying? But let us put off responsibility and just see as best we are able. Let us pray for the right response.

Have a great Friday in Christ!
Bucky