Two Days...

 

"And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying:

'Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!'

And whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the One seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever"

(Revelation 4:6-9)

I'm going to introduce these Four Living Creatures.

But, first, something LIKE a Sea of Glass captures John's attention. Moses experienced this on Mount Sinai,

"Under his feet was like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself"

(Exodus 24:10)

I keep a small sapphire on my desk to remind me of the heavenly realm. Both Moses and John saw similar scenes, but described them differently. There are probably other interpretations, but I like to consider that this clarity speaks of the holiness and purity of the heavenly realm. A few years ago, in a vision of God sweeping His arm across the view in front of us, He said to me,

"In my realm there are no lies"

I love this verse from 2 Corinthians 4:2, in the Amplified Version,

"We have renounced disgraceful ways (secret thoughts, feelings, desires and underhandedness, the methods and arts that men hide through shame); we refuse to deal craftily (to practice trickery and cunning) or to adulterate or handle dishonestly the Word of God, but we state the truth openly (clearly and candidly). And so we commend ourselves in the sight and presence of God to every man's conscience"

I love the contrast. In one definition it alludes to pulling impure motives out of the shadows and into the light of God's presence, for them to be purified. I think of the Sea of Glass and the Pavement of Sapphire, both glistening and clear. This is what the heavenly realm is like!

Then John sees what he knew Ezekiel had seen (Ezekiel 1:5-14). Four-Living Creatures. These were not gargoyles warding off unclean Spirits. No, this is heaven, a place of holiness not of evil. No, these are, what my Father callers, "The Guardians of the Presence of God".

These creatures are not to incite fear, but worship. Let's look at their faces, and I'll add some opinions that I learned from Bible College, that I do like:

1. Face of a Lion: Theologians have connected this creature to the Book of Matthew, as it is the Gospel of the Kingdom.

2. The face of a Calf (Ox): Connected to the Book of Mark, the beast of burden, speaking of the work that Jesus did in the Gospel of the Suffering Servant.

3. The face of a Man: Connected to the Book of Luke, the Physician, who wrote the most comprehensive account in his two Books, Luke and Acts, the Gospel for Humanity.

4. The face of an Eagle: Connected to the Book of John, who introduces us to Jesus' true nature, The Gospel of the Divine!

When I was at Bible College, I worked on Saturdays at Next in Coventry. Many a time I would go to the Cathedral on my lunch break and sit in front of the 75 feet tapestry called "Christ in Glory". I have added a pic below, as it is captivating. It has the four living creatures surrounding the throne. I used to love sitting there looking at this humbling sight.

More Lord!