Read the Book: Fall Bible PlanSample

The Throne

Revelation 4:2

I wonder if it was exasperating for John to describe with human words the breathtaking scene before him? In Revelation 4, John has just walked through an open door and glimpsed heaven. The very first image John sees is God on His throne. God’s authority and power is the very centerpiece of John’s vision, and what calms me—because reading Revelation can be a little intimidating for me—is the permanence of His presence.

I once heard that every time Scripture references the throne in heaven, it is occupied. Unlike worldly kings who sometimes wander off and stroll around rooftops getting distracted, God is always firmly in control. King David (of rooftop-wandering fame) talks about it in the Psalms. “But the Lords sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice” (Psalm 9:7), and, “God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne” (Psalm 47:8).

The encouragement throughout Revelation is the absolute certainty that no matter what is going on in our lives and in the world, God is on His throne. He sits on the seat of authority that the entire world must answer to some day. And yet, He loves us individually and desires a relationship with us.

The Book of Revelation continues with hair-raising accounts of the four horsemen, the beast, the antichrist, and imagery our human minds can’t conceive. It would be scary if we didn’t already know the end. The battle isn’t even close. The throne is occupied. Jesus wins!

Family connection: Ask your family, “Who sits on a throne?” After discussing what a king does, tell your family that God sits on the throne in heaven forever. No matter what is going on in our lives, we can be sure that God is on His throne and in control!