As thousands gathered in the square of St. Peter’s Basilica, looking expectantly for the smoke from the Sistine Chapel, an assembly of Catholic cardinals met in secret conclave to choose one who was worthy to be the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
A few months earlier, millions across the United States had gathered in front of TVs, looking expectantly for the announcement of the one who would be chosen as worthy to be president for the next four years.
When Queen Elizabeth II is in the royal residence at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle, the flag is flown, signifying that she is worthy to be the sovereign ruler over the United Kingdom.
But one day thousands upon thousands will gather before the throne of God and proclaim Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, as the only One worthy to receive glory and honor and power—forever and ever! And as that scene unfolds in Heaven, on earth “every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” He is The Worthy World Ruler.
READ REVELATION 4
HE IS ENTHRONED IN POWER
Revelation 4:1-2
Who was seated on the throne? Read Revelation 4:2, 5:1 and Hebrews 12:2.
Who actually saw and recorded this scene in Heaven? See Revelation 4:1, 1:1-2, 5:1.
Describe John’s circumstances when he saw this, in Revelation 1:9.
Who else saw a similar scene, and what was the circumstance of each? See Isaiah 6:1 along with John 12:41; Ezekiel 1:1-5, 22, 26; and Acts 7:54-60.
If you are going through an extremely difficult time, how do these passages encourage you?
HE IS ENCIRCLED IN PROOF
Revelation 4:3-8
Proof of His Mercy
What were the circumstances of the first rainbow? Read Genesis 7:24-9:13.
What did the rainbow symbolize? See Genesis 9:12-17.
What did the rainbow remind Noah of, in Genesis 9:15-16?
Explain the difference between Noah remembering the covenant, and Noah remembering that God remembered the covenant.
Give phrases from the following verses that describe God’s mercy: Isaiah 63:9, Micah 7:18, and Habakkuk 3:2.
Now explain in your own words the possible symbolism of the rainbow encircling His throne in Heaven.
Proof of His Authority
Besides the rainbow, what else encircled the throne? Read Revelation 4:4.
Give one of the titles for Jesus that relates to this scene, from Revelation 19:16.
Generally speaking, who do you think the 24 elders are? See Matthew 20:20-23, 2 Timothy 2:11-12 and Revelation 20:6.
What do you think their white robes symbolize? See Revelation 7:13-14 and Isaiah 1:18.
How do the following verses encourage you? Revelation 2:26; 3:5, 21; and 7:13-17.
Proof of His Activity
What words imply activity around the throne, in Revelation 4:5?
Read 2 Samuel 22. Underline all the verbs, and give verse numbers, that imply the activity of God.
Since God cannot be less than Himself, and He is active, how does this encourage you when you pray?
Proof of His Purity
Who is represented by the blazing lamps? See Revelation 4:5, 1:4-5; Luke 3:15-16; and Acts 2:1-4.
What is implied by His name? Read John 14:25-26, 16:8-11 and 1 Peter 1:15.
What needs to be purged from your life so that you more clearly reflect the purity of the Holy Spirit? See Malachi 3:2-3 and Hebrews 9:22.
HE IS ENVELOPED IN PRAISE
Revelation 4:9-11
Where did the praise in the Throne Room of Heaven originate? See Revelation 4:6 and 5:8-10.
Who are these living creatures? Read Genesis 3:24, Ezekiel 1:4-14 and Psalm 103:19-20.
How often did the four living creatures praise Jesus, according to Revelation 4:8?
Since they do a lot of work in the Bible, yet “day and night never stop” praising Jesus, is this a contradiction? How is it possible to work and worship at the same time? Explain.
Who began praising Jesus when they heard the four living creatures praise Him? See Revelation 4:9-11.
How did the praise become contagious, in Revelation 5:11-12?
How far-reaching was the praise, according to Revelation 5:13?
What has interrupted, or even silenced, your praise?
Who is praising Jesus because you are?
What was the ultimate act of praise described in Revelation 4:10?
Relate this act to yourself. See 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.
What crowns are available to a believer to lay at His feet? Read Philippians 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 2 Timothy 4:8, James 1:12, 1 Peter 5:4 and Revelation 2:10.
How is it possible to be saved and get into Heaven, but without a crown? See 1 Corinthians 3:15 and Revelation 3:11.
What crowns will you have to lay at His nail-pierced feet? What do you need to do today, or to start doing, so that you will not be bare-headed on that day?
One day Jesus will rule the world. And He is the only One who is worthy and able to rule your world. How accurately does your life reflect His rulership now? Does He rule on the throne of your heart in power? Is He encircled with proof of His mercy, activity, authority and purity in the way you live your life? And while you pour yourself into His work, is He enveloped in praise, 24/7?
©2013 Anne Graham Lotz