Day 361: Revelation 4, 5 and 6

There before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. (Revelation 4:2)

No doubt about it; under Roman Emperor Domitian Christianity was under attack.

And one of the first things John is shown in his heavenly vision is a throne. This is a throne higher and mightier than the throne of Rome – this is the throne of heaven. And at a time when Christians might have been wondering, Is God still on the throne? Revelation leaves no doubt.

One of my favorite scenes is when the angel proclaims: Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll? (5:2) But for a time no one answers, and John weeps. Then one of the elders speaks: The Lion of the tribe of Judah . . . he is able (v. 5). And John looks expecting to see a lion, but instead: Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne (v. 6).

Not only is there a throne, encircled with a rainbow, (reminiscent of Noah's story in Genesis 6-9); the throne is not empty – in chapter 4 a majestic, heavenly figure is sitting on it. In chapter 5 the one sitting on the throne is none other than Jesus Christ the Lamb of God. To John, all of this is evidence that God - who came through for his people before - and not Rome is in control.

Have you ever felt like the throne is empty? It isn't.