“The Great Unveiling: Journey to the Center of the World”
Revelation 4 & 5
If you could travel to the center of the world, what do you think you’d see and experience? As a young boy I loved the Jules Verne movie classic “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” In many ways it was a film ahead of its time. Today we’d call it ‘science fiction.’ It was a thriller as it portrayed the sights and sounds, the beauty and dangers, of a world and life never seen before. It may have been pure fiction, but it ignited my imagination to new dimensions. (Hollywood has since made a new version, but it’s never quite the same as the original.) Revelation 4 & 5 always remind me of the Jules Verne classic. John didn’t sign up for a journey, or buy a ticket to a movie; yet on a lonely island he was whisked up into a journey to the center of the world and told to share it. For John it was not fiction but reality, and it ignited his imagination, beyond what mere words could describe. As he traveled to the center of the world, what did he see and experience?
John first views THE SOVEREIGN GOD (4:2-8), and he’s overwhelmed by the sense of power. He discovers, in fact, A CENTER OF POWER. After looking at the Church (chapters 2 & 3) and the evils and persecution she faces in the world, John now sees the great throne of heaven in all its’ splendor. And immediately he notices that it’s not empty! Our world’s systems and governments would have us believe it’s empty – but it’s not! The morality, amusements, judgments, and persecutions of the world make it seem like it’s empty – like the throne room of heaven has been boarded up and the key thrown away – but it’s not. Our culture would have us live as though the throne is empty – but it’s not.
At this time of judgment John sees that GOD IS ON THE THRONE! John makes no attempt here to put a form or shape on God; he’s unable to do that. The best he can do is to describe its effects – a series of lights that flash from precious stones. Paul, in writing Timothy, exclaimed that Jesus dwelt in heaven in unapproachable light (I Tim. 6:16). And the light that is prominent communicates holiness and judgment. The holy God is seated upon the throne of judgment. Behind the faces and forces of evil that seek to dominate and destroy our world, behind the persecutions of Christ’s Church, behind our sufferings and struggles, behind all our unanswered questions, at the center of the world our holy God is seated on the throne.
Notice (vs. 3) that THE RAINBOW OF MERCY SURROUNDS THE THRONE. The rainbow is completely circular – not a half-circle as we’re accustomed to – to remind us that God’s work and our hope is complete and full. Storms will break out but will not destroy us, because GOD WILL BE TRUE TO HIS COVENANT. God rules with grace! Also surrounding the throne are the elders, God’s people. No matter what circumstances on earth, God’s cherished people will be crowned in heaven; no matter how victimized on earth, they will be victorious in heaven! And as God speaks in thunder and lightning John sees the four living creatures, who represent all creation. They stand ready to do His will, to guard and protect the throne; nothing unholy and evil can ever enter in. These bodyguards will make possible the perfection of Rev. 21 & 22! God is secure on His throne! John has no doubt that God will reign forever and ever! Words cannot be sufficient to describe what he has seen!
And guess what? These body guards, these creatures are praising God! John discovers that this center of power is also A CENTER OF PRAISE (4:8-11). It’s almost a sensory overload for John. He’s in heaven, looking at God and all the creatures – and they’re joined together singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” And as they sing they CAST THEIR CROWNS AT THE FOOT OF THE THRONE! These are the crowns they had earned and been awarded personally by God – but they return them to Him in total submission. Just like a king who casts his crown at the feet of the man who defeated him, so the heavenly host here casts their crowns in humility before the victor of their lives. And we, today, and anytime, can cast our earthly crowns – our glories – at the foot of God’s throne and submit to Him. John, in his first epistle, said he hoped that we would not shrink at the appearing of Christ. Will you? Or are you ready to lay down your crowns, your glories, your accomplishments before Him?
They worship (vs.11) because this sovereign God created all things. Here, in purity, is real, true worship. The creatures WORSHIP GOD BY ACKNOWLEDGING HIS WORTH. Satan may try to seduce the world, but at the center of the world is worship and praise of the all-powerful God! And this heavenly praise drowns out the chaotic, raucous music of earth. The point is, the atmosphere of the throne room is praise. TO PRAISE GOD IS TO FULFILL THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH WE WERE CREATED. If praise is the language of heaven, shouldn’t we be practicing now? We can worship even in the humblest and most unseen activities of life! Work and worship can be one! The doctor on her rounds, the scientist in the lab, the teacher in the classroom, the musician in the music, the artist in the creating, the athlete in the competition, the shop assistant in the labor, the typist in the typing, the housewife in her home, the student in the classroom – every activity can be worship if only we make it so! Let’s approach each task of the day with “Let us worship God!” What a difference it would make! The sovereign God – on His throne – reigning forever! And John has just begun to see!
He next discovers THE SAVIOR RULER (5:1-7). John notices an unopened seal in God’s right hand. He knows what it is – it’s the plan, the blueprints for the course of history! It, too, is another CENTER OF POWER. Now John can know ‘what is to come!’ It’s like a news bulletin is ready to be announced, one the world is waiting with bated breath to hear. The press conference has been called, everybody’s in place – all that’s needed is the announcer!
But wait! What’s this? They’re asking for someone who is worthy to break the seal. No one comes forward. There is no one worthy to open it. There is no one with whom God can share His future! So John weeps – an inch from the finish line he and all other creatures are disqualified! John’s chance to scoop all the other reporters is gone. His moment of glory has escaped his grasp! Prince charming has tried all the feet in the kingdom and none have fit the slipper! So what is John to do? If he can’t find clarity in heaven, how can he ever understand the chaos on earth? What’s ahead for the world? Why would God call John all the way up here just to disappoint him so?
And then John hears, “Do not weep!” Why? “See, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” In Is. 11:1 we are told that a new branch will spring up from the stump of Jesse. In Is. 11:10 we are told that this new branch is also the root of Jesse. How can one branch be the root but also the branch? In Rev. 22:16 Jesus says He is the Root and Offspring of David. He was before David; but He also came through David’s lineage. He who was with God at creation became human. He was, and is, and is to come. So John turns and there he sees - - - - a lamb! But it’s a slain lamb, A REDEMPTIVE LAMB; The lamb, Jesus Christ, who was slain; The Lamb who, by being slain, has become the Lion.
In C. S. Lewis' Voyage of the Dawn Treader, the third of the Chronicles of Narnia Series, Lewis wants the reader to see the identity of Aslan the Lion. Lucy and Edmund are on an adventure when they come to a large grassy area. In the midst of a large green, there is a white spot. As they look at the white spot in the midst of the great field and draw closer to it, they find that it is a lamb. The lamb is cooking a breakfast of fish and gives Lucy and Edmund a delicious meal. Then they ask the lamb if He can help them find the land of Aslan. At that time, the white Lamb transforms into the great Aslan Himself, with sunlight beaming forth from His great mane. Lewis was portraying the truth of Scripture: Jesus is the gentle, meek Lamb who takes away the sins of the world; He is also the Lion of Judah, the Judge and the One who comes to bring justice to the world, to execute judgment on sin and to punish iniquity. Jesus is the undeniable, absolute Monarch of the universe. (1) John realized that ONLY JESUS CHRIST IS WORTHY TO OPEN THE SACRED SEALS.
So Jesus takes the scroll in His hands. He’s takes up His power and is ready to claim the kingdom once and for all. JESUS HOLDS THE DESTINY OF THE WORLD IN HIS HANDS! Isn’t it great that what looks like a lamb is really the mightiest hope for the Church? Never mind the world’s view of power and strength – God’s view is that there is strength in humility and sacrifice. There is life in death! The power of this world is deceiving; it comes temporarily through force; but the power of heaven is permanent and comes through submission.
Jesus is the Ruling Lion/Redemptive Lamb because He submitted to His Father. Therefore He holds our destinies; and we have good news! WE ARE UNCHAINED FROM SIN AND ITS EFFECTS. Perhaps sin has been ruling your life. Maybe your life of faith has been shabby – you’ve lived much of your life without God, without prayer, without spiritual discipline, without increasing knowledge of the Word, or without participation in Christ’s Body – the Church. Possibly you’ve broken the commandments of God. You’ve been unfaithful in your relationships, you’ve been deceitful to those you love and in your business, you’ve coveted what you do not have, you’ve crucified others in your thoughts and killed them with your words, you’ve failed to love those who love you, and hated your enemies. You may be living with a sense of guilt. Hear the news: when Jesus was crucified, dead, and buried He descended into hell – and the third day He rose again from the dead! He conquered death and sin. He paid the price for your sin. YOU ARE FORGIVEN AND FREED FROM YOUR PAST! “There is no condemnation awaiting those who belong to Christ…Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:1)
The one who sits on the throne clears away your past, so YOU CAN HAVE NEW LIFE. The center of power gives life! “Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation.” Think of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus took a man born blind and gave him sight. He spoke to man who had been paralyzed for 38 years, and told him to walk. He came across a boy filled with demons, and set him free. He walked to the tomb of His
dear friend Lazarus, and gave the dead man life. New creations! New life! And Paul even wrote that the very power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is in us! God “…is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” We live with resurrection power!
So John continues to rejoice in the Lamb! And suddenly he notices he is not alone in his praise. This center of power is also A CENTER OF PRAISE! The angels, the creatures, the Elders, and all creation join in, one by one. Like a great orchestra, the soloist begins, then it’s a duet, then a trio and so on until the entire orchestra is playing full tilt in an unparalleled fortissimo! THE WHOLE WORLD IS IN CEASELESS PRAISE OF CHRIST! They eulogize the risen Savior and Lord! Even the fallen world praises Him! Those who persecuted, resisted, condemned, and blasphemed Christ now praise Him! Now we know why Paul was so excited when he wrote to the church at Philippi, “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:10-11) So the saints of John’s day might die for saying “Christ is Lord!” rather than “Caesar is Lord”; but one day the Caesars will join in the praise!
The scene continues as THE ELDERS FALL DOWN, LIE PROSTRATE, AND WORSHIP. From there they will praise Christ, the Lamb and Lion, forever! They are overwhelmed. His presence has driven them to their knees in awe and praise. He alone is worthy. But notice that (5:8) the four living creatures “were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” Since the One who sits on the throne is the Lion/Lamb, who has already won the battle, our prayers are heard – our prayers are important. We can pray. The angels bring the aroma of our prayers into the very nostrils of God! Pray on!
The Sovereign God and the Saving Ruler – centers of power and praise! Yet still the scene is not complete! Read again verses 9 & 10: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on earth.” Who will reign? THE VICTORIOUS CHURCH! (5:9-11) Us! You – me – the Church of Jesus Christ! Jesus is just now building that new nation. He is bringing together the new spiritual Israel; He is lining up the spiritual descendants of Abraham. It’s another CENTER OF POWER. He is cleaning up and strengthening the church. And we are given to understand that the church – us – will reign on the earth now and forever! God is preparing us for action.
This scene of the throne room reminds us again that we will be overcomers – so why should we worry so much in this life? Do you believe Paul (I Cor. 6:2-3): “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? . . . Do you not know that we are to judge angels?” Everything is under Christ’s – and our – control! That means THIS IS NOT SATAN’S WORLD – though He leads many to believe it is. It is not the Muslims’ world. It is not Iraq’s world. It is not Iran’s world. It is not North Korea’s world. It’s not the terrorists’ world. It is not the USA’s world. It is Jesus Christ’s world! The world is not ours to run any way we desire. Our opinions, Satan’s plans, will not make much headway. Recall King Nebuchadnezzar who stood proudly on his balcony saying, “Is not this great Babylon which I have built?” Do you remember the next words? “And the kingdom departed . . .”! It happened as well to Alexander the Great, Caesar, Charlemagne, Napoleon, Hitler, Saddam Hussein. It has happened to all past leaders and will happen to all future leaders. Their names are trampled underfoot. (2) God judges with His own decrees. Life has been placed in Jesus’ hands! The strategy is all laid out and Christ will lead the Church to and through the battle and will win! He’s already won at the battle of Calvary! Purity, justice, mercy, right, and honor will prevail – because at the basis of all the trouble and war lies the guilt of sin and the corruption of human nature. And only Jesus Christ is worthy and capable of changing the basis.
Only when John realizes the glorious future of the church does he begin to realize it is the CENTER OF PRAISE in this 5th chapter. The church is also offering praise! Certainly the view from the top pumps confidence, conviction, and clout into the church’s bloodstream! It certainly ought to fire up her ministry. Life really is perhaps/but – perhaps it’s dark now/but it will be light; perhaps evil is rampant now/but right will win; perhaps Satan will be turned loose yet again with greater power/but the risen Christ has mortally wounded him.
THE CHURCH WILL CONQUER! The Psalmist envisioned it long ago. Ps. 2:1-4: Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them” God’s wrath is like a dam – it holds back the waters of judgment waiting for people to repent! But the day will come when the floodgates will open and the wrath of God will execute His justice.
The Church will win! Verses 8 & 9 of the same Psalm: “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."
And what do we need to do to be a part of this winning team? Verses 10-11 of Psalm 2: “Therefore, you kings, BE WISE; be warned, you rulers of the earth. SERVE THE LORD WITH FEAR and rejoice with trembling…Blessed are all who TAKE REFUGE IN HIM.” Jesus rules from the center of the world, but we are to be the center pouring forth His praise.
Because of who is at the center of the world, we can say with Martin Luther:
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.
(1) From All Leaves and no Figs: The Things Christ Condemns, by Mike Milton, In Preaching-May/June 2013, p. 35
(2) Behold, He Cometh!, Herman Hoeksema, Reformed Free Publishing Association, Grandville, MI, © 1969 by Reformed Free Publishing Association. P. 171
