Longing for Heaven

Read Revelation 4:1-11.

Focusing on heaven reveals that we truly understand the hope of the Gospel. That’s surely why God privileged John with a glimpse of heaven. Our Lord doesn’t want us to be apprehensive about this eternal future but excited about it.

The eternal heaven is the new, ultimate heaven yet to come, where John, in the Spirit, looked and saw “a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it” (Revelation 4:2). This throne symbolizes God’s sovereign power and authority. The King seated there has the appearance of jasper, a diamond-like white stone, and carnelian, a blood-red stone—depictions of Jesus’ glory and sacrifice at the cross. Encircling His throne is a rainbow, a reminder of God’s eternal faithfulness. Also surrounding Christ’s throne are 24 elders, who represent the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve disciples of Jesus. That means that the heavenly Church will be made up of saints from the old and new covenants—all those who by faith received the Messiah, whether they looked forward to His coming and sacrifice or looked back upon His cross and resurrection.

Flashes of lightning and rolling thunder emanate from the throne—exemplifying the utter power of God. Before that seat are seven blazing lamps—representing the seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit, including His comforting presence, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord (see Isaiah 11:2). When we yield to the Holy Spirit in our lives, He produces these characteristics in us even now—and He will be there with us in the new heaven. Then John notes an entire sea of glass stretching before the throne, revealing the vast, pure Truth of God. Completing the scene are four angelic creatures who initiate constant worship of our holy God.

Now, Satan constantly lies about heaven because he was thrown out and will never be allowed to return. Driven by hate, he tries to convince us that heaven is boring or that we should focus on this life because death is scary. But Scripture calls us to set our minds on things above (see Colossians 3:2).

All the breathtaking sights we could experience here and now don’t hold a candle to what God has prepared for us in heaven. What is more, there the God of power and might will be always physically, personally present. We will see Him face to face! And we will be continuously worshiping and enjoying Him.

Prayer: Jesus, I look forward to the day when I will see You seated on Your throne in glory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.