Revelation 4:6b-11
The Throne Room- Part Two
Why in the world does God describe four living creatures equally positioned around His throne? We need to remember this throne is full of glistening light which reflects His character; we’ll see God’s reflection in each creature. He does nothing without purpose.
John described them as being full of eyes, in other words, they’re constantly waiting and watching for His direction. Let’s look at each description:
- Lion– This animal king is powerful and patient. The coming Messiah was prophesied (Gen. 49:1, 8-10) as a lion crouching, waiting, and anticipating in the last days: He’s the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Living in communities and yet solitary this first living creature shows us He’s the Lion as well as the Lamb. More on that in Chapter 5.
- Ox– This animal, a beast of burden, serves and labors with great strength. When yoked to another there’s double power to endure the long haul. The ox moves slowly and tediously to fulfill his mission. Jesus (Matt. 11:29-30) encouraged us to be yoked or joined to Him when overburdened in life. He’s strong enough for both of us.
- Face of a man– This is a clear reference to Messiah (Dan. 7:9-11), the Son of Man, who exchanged His divine form for our human form (Phil. 2:6-8) with one mission: He would become like us so we could become like Him. Revelation shows us we’re on our way back to the garden of Gen. 1 where dominion over the earth was gifted to us; that’s our confident expectation.
- Eagle in flight– The wingspan of this powerful bird enables them to climb to high elevations, soar, and yet have the watchful, ‘eagle eye’, for their mission. God is pictured as this flying eagle daily watching over us with love and care. Is. 40:28-31 guarantees power to the faint with increased and renewed strength as we join Him in the heights of faith in our life.
This high order of angels continually and eternally declare His holiness as they herald Him the Lord, God Almighty. In Hebrew that name is El Shaddai: our Nike God, all-powerful and overcoming. In this drama the 24 elders respond by casting their crowns before Him; in humility they take no credit for their position around the throne. Their declaration is different from the 4 living creatures:
“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For You created all things, and they exist because You created what You pleased. Revelation 4:11 NLT
The 24 elders close out this chapter by representing humanity, identifying Him as ‘our God’, and recognize His value or worth. Chapter 5 continues our place of worship as Jesus, the Lamb of God, makes His grand entrance into the vision. We know there’s tribulation ahead but these chapters solidify our confident expectation that our God is in control: No fear, no worry, only faith.
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