In The Presence Of The King

Read Rev 4:1-7:17

Rosella Shishido

Majestic. That’s the word that came to mind when I stood at the rim of the Grand Canyon
in Arizona. I was in awe at the size and the beauty of it. The intricate and colorful landscape
offered by the rock layers was stunning. I felt an overwhelming reverence for God by simply
standing before this breathtaking canyon that He created.

I can’t even begin to imagine how the apostle John must have felt when he was brought
before the presence of God. The Holy Spirit gave him a vision of the throne room of Heaven.
He witnessed a combination of amazing and disturbing events from the future when God
carries out His final plans against Satan and all who choose to deny the Almighty God.

John also saw God, but interestingly enough he does not describe Him in human terms
but in colors. He conveys God’s image and presence using the colors of jasper, sardius and
emerald - three precious stones that John was familiar with perhaps because they adorned
the breastplate of the high priests during those times.

In his Bible commentary about these passages, William Barclay says, “It may well be that the
jasper stands for the unbearable brightness of the purity of God; the sardius for His avenging
wrath; and the gentle green of the emerald stands for His mercy by which alone we can meet
his purity and justice.” (Barclay, William. The Revelation of John Volume 1. Westminster Press,
Pennsylvania, 1976. page 152.)

The book of Revelation is full of symbolism and we may not fully understand all of it. But
in these chapters we read today, the message for us is that in the very end, everyone and
everything will praise and honor God for the Creator and the Redeemer that He is. Evil will
have no chance against Him. God Almighty is in control of everything even through the last
days when situations may appear dire and out of control.

May the book of Revelation give you hope. Followers of Jesus are assured of victory over evil
and a special place in heaven before the throne of God. That’s how our story will end if we put
our trust in Jesus as our Savior. All praises to Him for He is worthy!

P R AY E R
Praise you, Almighty God, for creating me and redeeming me. It’s only by Your grace that I will
be able to stand before Your throne in heaven one day. Thank you for sending Jesus, the Lamb
of God, to save me from my sins. Amen.
 DAY 98

QUESTIONS
Think of a time when you were in awe because of something beautiful that God sent your
way. Why is it memorable for you?

Do you look forward to heaven? Why or why not?

Picture yourself standing before our Lord God in heaven in all His glory. What do you think will
be the first thing that you’ll do?

MY REFLECTIONS
Does any particular verse (SCRIPTURE) in today’s reading speak to you?

OBSERVE what this verse is saying to you:

How can you APPLY this verse to your life today?

My PRAYER for today is: