Day 2 of Read: Revelation

Hey Readers. Today we're reading chapters 4 to 6, and dealing with the first bit of prophecy in the book. Today's reading begins with an incredible description of the Throne Room of God in Heaven. I've read this passage many, many times and I still can't even begin to imagine the glory that is contained in this place. Here are some interesting observations from reading about God's Throne Room:

• The praise of God never ceases
• When John looks for the "Lion of Judah", who is the only one worthy to open the scroll of God, he sees a Lamb that looks as though it he had been slain. It's amazing to think that Jesus is represented by both the lion (one of the fiercest creatures on earth) and the lamb (one of the gentlest creatures on earth and one that is often used as a sacrifice).
• One of the objects of worship in the biblical times was incense. In heaven, the incense that is offered to God in worship are the prayers of believers here on earth. I hope this brings a renewed perspective to your prayers to God... for they are a sweet smelling incense to Him in His holy and glorious throne room. When we pray, we don't just throw words up to heaven, but instead they are offered to God in His holy throne room as an object of worship that is pleasing to Him.
• It is crystal clear in this passage that Jesus is God, for it says at the end of chapter five that only "him who sits on the throne (the Father) and the Lamb (Jesus) receive blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever."

Finally, what are the judgments that come upon the earth when the seals are broken on the scroll? In chapter 6, six of the seven judgments are listed. They are:

1. 1) A rider on a white horse who conquers the world with a crown on his head and a bow in his hand.
   
2. 2) A rider on a red horse with a great sword who takes peace from the world causing mankind to wage a bloody war against each other.
3. 3) A rider on a black horse with measuring scales in his hand who appears to take over the world markets.
4. 4) A rider on a pale horse, whose name is Death, and he kills a quarter of the earth's population with war, famine, pestilence and wild beasts.
5. 5) A loud cry from believers who had been martyred because of their faith in Christ calling for judgment to come upon the earth.
6. 6) A great worldwide earthquake that causes bizarre things to happen in the sky (sun going dark, moon looking like blood, stars falling to the earth). This causes the people of the earth, both great and small, to run and hide from the "wrath of the Lamb."

Let me know if you have any questions. I sure do...