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Daily Devotions

Revelation

Revelation 
Day 
Day 38

"A rainbow around the throne"

Text: Revelation 4:3

THE ONE WHO SAT ON THE THRONE

John saw Someone sitting on the Throne in heaven. His description is awe-inspiring.

“And He who sat there was like
a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance;
and there was a rainbow around the throne,
in appearance like an emerald.
Around the throne were twenty-four thrones,
and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting,
clothed in white robes;
and they had crowns of gold on their heads.
And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices.
Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne,
which are the seven Spirits of God.”
Revelation 4:3-5

1. No physical description of the One who sat on the throne.

a) This is correct.

b) John saw a Presence.

c) It was not an easy vision to describe.

2. The strong use of symbolism.

a) Jasper and Sardius (carnelian).

b) These are called semi-precious stones.

c) The Sardius was one of the stones in the Breastplate of the High Priest.

d) The Jasper and Sardius can be red in colour and can symbolise Justice and the Vengeance of God.

3. A rainbow around the throne.

a) While the Throne of God will uphold justice, it will also offer Hope.

b) The first Rainbow was given to Noah as God’s word of promise that He would not destroy the earth with a flood again. The Rainbow symbolises both Promise and Hope.

c) The green emerald symbolises eternal love and compassion.

4. Twenty-four other thrones.

a) John also saw twenty-four other thrones.

b) On these thrones sat twenty-four elders.

c) All were dressed in white robes.

i) White was a symbol of purity.

ii) It was also a symbol of victory.

d) The elders wore crowns of gold.

i) They were greatly honoured.

ii) They were allowed to sit on thrones in heaven.

e) Who were these elders?

i) They are best seen as representing all believers.

ii) Rather than identified as special individuals.

5. The seven spirits surrounding the throne.

a) The symbol is that of Seven Lamps of fire.

b) And described as the Seven Spirits of God.

c) It is best understood as reference to the eternal Holy Spirit.

d) The Sevenfold spirit of Isaiah 11:2 is expressed here gloriously.

e) The use of the number “seven” is to describe the Majesty and Perfection of the Holy Spirit.

6. From the throne of God.

a) Proceeded lightnings, thundering, and voices.

b) We are reminded of how God revealed His glory when He descended on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-20).