Read: Revelation 4

Do you ever think about heaven? Do you wonder what is going on in heaven? Do you think about what God looks like?

In this vision the apostle John is allowed to look into heaven. John is invited to come forward and look through the open door into heaven. And what does John see? He sees God sitting on the throne. God is so majestic that John cannot even describe God with human words. And so, he describes the One sitting on the throne, using the best words he can. He says that God is like some precious stones. God is too majestic, too beautiful to be described with our words.

John sees four living creatures. Again, John cannot describe exactly what they look like, so he says that they look like a lion, a calf, a face of a man and like a flying eagle. These four living creatures have many eyes because they are always looking at God sitting on the throne. They also have many wings because they are always ready to do the work of God. And they are singing praises to God: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.”

These four creatures represent everything on earth. They are showing us that all things on earth are working for God. Even though it often does not seem like it, especially when bad things happen, all things are working for the kingdom of God. God is using everything to further his kingdom. The four living creatures are doing the work God wants them to do.

And that is why the twenty-four elders, who John also sees in heaven, bow down in praise whenever the four living creatures give glory to God. They also sing of the greatness of God, the One sitting on the throne.

We are allowed to read about what John sees in heaven, so that we too know that God is working all things for the coming of his kingdom. And then, just like the ones who sit around the throne, we too are called to worship God.

Reflection with your child:

What is everyone in heaven doing?

Source: Sermon by Rev. C. Bouwman