By Marc Wagner
Ah, the book of Revelation! There are many things in Revelation chapters 4 and 5 to focus on, but let’s turn our focus to only one area that is a larger theme in these two chapters…the throne. I would encourage you to read through chapters 4 and 5 of the book, and as you do, listen for this repeated word.
Remembering what Pastor Bob said a couple of weeks ago, “the book of revelation was not written to us, but it was written for us,” we can easily see that this book was most likely read aloud and heard by the people of God to whom it was written. Reading through the book and paying attention to repeated words is one of the devices that John uses to help those who heard it catch the ideas that he wanted them to focus on. The word throne(s) is used 19 times in these two chapters and John is effectively casting the throne room scene in Revelation 4-5 with elements from Daniel 7 and Ezekiel 1 and Isaiah 6—three Divine Council scenes. Who sits on thrones but kings? So who is the king of time and the passage of time and history?
In earlier chapters, we have seen the church in the middle of persecution, afflictions and tribulation, and it is good to remember that the people of God suffer along with the world. The church needs these tribulations because of our need to grow in holiness and be purified. In the midst of our troubles, we are reminded through the book of Revelation of the throne of God, a vision of the throne that rules the universe. The God of Israel, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus is the one in control of the cycles of time and history. Nobody else is! Remember the words of Jesus to Pilate, “you would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.” God gives and grants all earthly power!
This idea of the throne, the place of rule and authority and the one who sits on it, is meant to encourage us in the midst of our trials of who ultimately is over all these things. Let us not forget God’s promises to us who love him, and who have been called to follow Jesus, “in all things God works for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). The vision of the universe governed by the throne should also impart comfort to believers in the midst of fiery trials. Jesus sees, Jesus knows. The very hairs on our heads are all numbered!
