Revelation Now :
Daily Devotional Bible Studies in Revelation
Next | Previous | Contact Ron | Introduction | Foreword | Index | Tellout
A Sea of Glass and God's Throne : Day 21 
Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. (Revelation 4.4-6)
Twenty Four Thrones
Around God's central throne were twenty-four other thrones. The question is asked, "Who were seated on these twenty-four thrones?" Because there were twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament and twelve Apostles in the New Testament, the twenty-four crowned elders in this vision may be representatives of all the redeemed of God for all time (both before and after Christ's death and resurrection). In the New Jerusalem, the names of the twelve Patriarchs are on the gates and the twelve Apostles' names are marked on its foundation stones. They symbolize both the Jews and the Gentiles who are now part of God's family.
Clothed in White
The twenty-four elders are clothed in white which is symbolic of purity and wear gold crowns representing kingship. They cast their crowns before the throne, and worship and praise continuously. They convey the people's prayers to God, one even encourages John when he is sad. Another explains what a particular vision means.
Council of Elders
There are indications of a council of elders in other places in the Bible. At the creation the Lord God said, The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. (1). "One with us" suggests a council speaking with God The prophet Isaiah fuels this intriguing concept "For the Lord Almighty will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before its elders, gloriously." (2). From the throne "lightning and thunder" evoke fear and terror at the great events happening in heaven. On Mount Sinai, lightning and thunder accompany God's presentation of the Law. "On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled." (3)
Sea of Glass
Around the throne of God was "what looks like a sea of glass." Glass was very rare in New Testament times, and crystal-clear glass was virtually impossible to find. A sea of glass like crystal may be an image adapted from Ezekiel, or a picture of a smooth Aegean Sea in a sunset, or even a tradition of a floor of glass in Solomon's palace which the Queen of Sheba thought was water and picked up her skirts to walk across. Finally, an ancient view of the heavens pictured a sea above the dome of the heavens on which the throne of God rested. In any case, it is an awe inspiring and a wonderful scene which highlights both the magnificence and holiness of God.
Meditation
Close your eyes and picture the throne of God, the elders and a sea of shining glass.
Prayer
"Deep peace of the Running Wave to you,"
Notes
(1) Genesis 3:22 (2) Isaiah 24:23 (3) Exodus 19:16
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place."
