February 22
What Will It Be Like Around the Throne of God?
by Steve Ham, AiG–U.S.
Today’s big question: what will it be like around the throne
of God?
With all the incredible imagery we are given in the Bible
about the throne room of God, I still cannot even imagine how great it will be.
Revelation provides the most details about this amazing place, particularly in
chapters 4, 5, and 7. Reading through these chapters makes me want to break
into praise as those in the vision cried out, “Salvation belongs to our God who
sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation
7:10).
Let’s just consider some of the vision John recorded for us.
Chapter 4 tells of One who is like precious shining jewels encircled by a
brilliant rainbow and worshipped by 24 white-robed elders crowned with gold.
Lightning flashes and thunder crashes from the throne along with glorious
voices. God is present, and everyone worships Him. There is a sea of glass,
like crystal, before the throne, and in the midst of the throne room are
amazing creatures bowed before God, worshipping the holy Creator.
Chapter 5 describes our Savior, a Lamb standing as though it
had been slain, before the throne. He has taken our punishment and has full
victory over death and sin. The Lamb is the King. Worshipping him are “ten
thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” (Revelation
5:9). These voices join with all of creation proclaiming
“blessing and honor and glory and power” to the Lamb forever (Revelation
5:13). God will be praised.
The second half of chapter 7 describes a great multitude of
people from all tribes, nation, peoples, and tongues, in white robes, waving
palm branches and singing to the Lamb. The angels and the great creatures fall
on their faces in worship of the utter glory of God before them. As they serve
the Lamb day and night, He is in their midst, wiping away all their tears and
leading them to fountains of living water.
Christ’s victory is magnificently described in visions of
the throne room. He is the victorious Lamb, and yet He is the mighty Shepherd.
The Savior’s glory is eternally brilliant, and our love and awe of Him will
never fade. Each day will be full of wondrous service to Him (Revelation
22:3). The primary focus in God’s throne room is not on the
magnificent creatures, the beautiful scenery, or the glorious noise. Everything
in heaven centers on eternally glorifying the triune, holy God.
Today’s big idea: if you are a Christian, get used to
praising God.
What to pray: bow in awe before the majestic King.
