Rev 4:2, “And immediately I was in the spirit.” John is taken in the spirit into the heavenly throne room. After all, how can we see there other than in the spirit? These are spiritual matters, which however do control earthly reality, that which we see, the flesh.
We then read, “And, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.”
Again the “And behold.” Do we see? This sight gives peace in life. This seeing gives hold, support, and comfort. This seeing shows the way, no matter how life goes and in the greatest spiritual temptation.
When John sees the heavenly throne room, and more details will follow later, the first thing he sees is the throne. The heavenly throne room is defined by the throne and Him who sits on it. The earth is determined by heaven, heaven by Him who sits on the throne. Here we are with the core and heart of life and reality. Here we are with Him who encompasses time and space.
What then stands out above all else? Rest. “The throne and Him who sits on it.” With God is rest and peace. With Him is harmony and stability. He is like the Rock of ages that bears time and eternity. He sits. No, no nervous pacing or restless walking or sitting. He is not out of control!
What a stark contrast to the preceding picture of the church in the end times. There is tension, strife, restlessness, sin, misunderstanding, and powerlessness. But God is the Almighty, the Omniscient, the All-Embracing. God is sovereign; He is the Creator and King. There is no one above or beside Him, and He is accountable to no one.
What a miracle to know that this God is our God. That is grace alone and Christ alone. Yes, we go through many trials in this life, and the church lacks unity and purity, but God reigns, Christ is at His right hand, and the church is Christ's. So, we pray, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”