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Daily Devotions

Revelation

Revelation 
Day 
Day 39

"Four living creatures"

Text: Revelation 4:6

AROUND THE THRONE OF GOD

John noticed the presence of “four living creatures”. There is a great similarity between this vision and the one that was given to the prophet Ezekiel (Cf. Ezekiel 1).

“Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal.
And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne,
were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.
The first living creature was like a lion,
the second living creature like a calf,
the third living creature had a face like a man,
and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.
The four living creatures, each having six wings,
were full of eyes around and within.
And they do not rest day or night, saying:
‘Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!'”
Revelation 4:6-8

1. Before the throne of God.

a) There was a sea of glass.

b) What this represents was not made clear.

c) The glass quality was compared to “crystal”.

d) We are reminded of the special healing river that flowed from the Temple
(Ezekiel 47).

e) There are many things that have yet to be revealed to us.

2. Around the throne of God.

a) These are identified as mighty angels called “cherubim”.

b) They are wondrously described:

i) They have many eyes, front and back. To signify their deep understanding.

ii) They have six mighty wings. These reflect their power of swift flight to attend to God’s bidding.

c) A description of each living creature.

i) The first one was like a lion.

ii) The second one was like a calf.

iii) The third one had a face like a man.

iv) The fourth one was like an eagle.

d) Many different opinions have been given to explain what these represent.

i) The lion is often spoken of as the king of the animals.

ii) The calf is prized as the most appreciated of all domestic animals.

iii) Man is special because he is made in the image of God.

iv) The eagle is recognized as the king of birds.

The four living creatures represent the majesty of the angelic realm!

e) Their adoration of God is to be noted.

i) “Holy, holy, holy”
The holiness of God was declared.

ii) “Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come”
The eternal might and power of God was proclaimed.