To God Be The Glory And Honor Forever

The throne of God, described in Rev. 4:1-3 is surrounded by 24 other thrones, 7 burning torches of fire and 4 living creatures. We need to look at them and try to understand what is being revealed as we do. Let's start with the 24 thrones on which 24 elders were seated.

Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. - Rev 4:4 ESV

Who are these "elders"? Normally one thinks of the rulers of the Jewish people, either in smaller towns or as members of the highest court, the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:5,6:12, etc.). Later John's revelation points to the 12 patriarchs and the 12 apostles whose names are on the gates and foundation of the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:12-14). We may also compare the number 24 with the 24 courses of priests appointed to serve in the Temple (1 Chron. 24:3-19). The duties of these sons of Aaron included leading the people in worship and teaching them God's Word. In that these 24 elders represent the ministry of the Word, they point to this ministry carried on for all time.

The elders were clothed in white garments, which as previously noted (Rev. 3:4), represents purity and holiness. On their heads are crowns of gold, symbols of victory, glory and royalty (Gen. 41:42).

God's almighty power and authority echo around His throne: "From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder."This was awesome and frightening, as when God came down on Mt. Sinai as Israel began her wilderness journey.

On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. - Exo 19:16 ESV

Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off - Exo 20:18 ESV

 And before God's awesome throne burn seven torches, interpreted by John as "the seven spirits of God" (Rev. 4:5). We've heard of these seven spirits before God's throne earlier (Rev. 1:4). We will see them again in the Lamb "with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth" (Rev. 5:6).

It is well at this point to introduce the sacred numbers of the Bible: 1, 22, 40, 12, 4, 10, 6, 3, 7 and 21.   These sacred numbers will occur again and again as symbols throughout the Revelation. At this point we encounter seven, the number pointing to perfection. Earlier we saw seven golden lamp-stands, seven stars and seven churches (Rev. 1:12-20). Here John points to the perfect fruit of the Spirit at work in those who live by the Spirit (2 Pet 1:3-8; Gal. 5:22-24). These burning torches are a metaphor of the Spirit encountered earlier (Acts 2:3; Matt 3:11).

"Before God's throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal" (Rev. 4:7).

 Note that John does not say that there was a great sea. Rather he says that it looked to him as if it were a sea of glass, like crystal. This seems to point to God's providence encircling the earth like the sea. His ways are inscrutable, but here they appear crystal clear (Rom 11:33-36).

The Four Living Creatures

On each side of that glorious throne of God are 4 (four) living creatures. Of the 12 tribes of Israel, Jesus' lineage is traced to Judah, the fourth tribe (Luke 3:23-33; Matt. 1:2). In Ezekiel these four creatures carry God's throne (Ezek 1:5-25) Here they encircle it and instead of having wheels with rims full of eyes the creatures themselves are full of eyes in front and behind (Rev. 4:6,8), full of eyes all around and within. Nothing escapes them. So it is with God's providence. Nothing escapes Him.

The Four Evangelists

Since the days of Irenaeus, bishop of Lugdunum in Gaul, these four creatures have been portrayed as  symbols of the four Gospels. Irenaeus held that the face of a man signified the human nature of Christ, the lion His royal character, the calf an emblem of sacrifice, His priestly character, and the flying eagle the grace of the Holy Spirit ever upon Him. There is, however, no obvious connection between these four living creatures and the four Gospels. Christ is portrayed with other symbols in the next chapter. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David and the Lamb, standing as though it had been slain (Rev. 5:5-6).

We may be advised not to manufacture connections between these symbolic creatures and the four Gospels. It is enough to hear them singing the praises in the wild places (lion), in cultivated places (calf or ox), in the cities and towns where men live (man's face) and in the whole expanse of the air (flying eagle). Their hymn has three parts. The triple holy, holy, holy points to the great Three-in-One. There is also the triple name: Lord God Almighty, the almighty Ruler of the universe, "who was and is and is to come" (Rev. 4:8). This is the hymn of glory, giving Him all honor and thanks for all that He is and does (Ps. 103:19-22; 111:7-10; 145:1-21).

So whenever and wherever God's Word is proclaimed God accomplishes His purposes. This ministry of the Word accomplishes all that God pleases (Isa 55:11).

And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." - Rev 4:9-11 ESV

Honoring And Caring For The Elderly

Since I am one of the senior citizens of this land, it seems wise to prepare for the inevitable. My body continues to age—there seems but little I can do to alter that fact. I have annual checkups with my docs and follow a planned regimen of a healthy diet and exercise. My wife and I are fairly active in our social life. We interact with friends and family every day. We went with friends out to eat and to a concert this past weekend. We spent an hour on the phone last night planning a cruise in the Caribbean with our family next summer. The planned cruise will follow the graduation of our granddaughter from college.

Yet the time approaches when my wife and I may not be able to manage our own affairs. We'll need the assistance of our children and/or professional caregivers. That's why, as the new year turned, we did an extensive review of our financial situation. Do we have sufficient funds to cover the possible need for home health care? What if we have to move to an assisted living community? We came away from that review satisfied that we are in a relatively good position. I say relatively, because we also realize that we simply cannot foresee every possible scenario. Nor are we going to spend the remainder of our lives imagining the worst. 

In poking around on the internet I found a helpful site, one that speaks both to those of us who are seniors and those of you who will or already do face the challenge of caring for your parents or relatives. I commend it to you. It's called Aging Care—connecting people caring for elderly parents. Lots of good stuff there and many helpful links. Check it out.

This task of caring for aging parents and relatives is not easy. And the fact is there's a whole lot more of us now than ever before. Here's an interesting 2009 comment on life expectancy by Tara Parker-Pope in The New York Times: 

Americans are living nearly two-and-a-half months longer, according to new life expectancy statistics released today. In 2007, life expectancy in the United States reached a high of nearly 78 years, up from 77.7 a year earlier. 

Life expectancy in the United States has been on the rise for a decade, increasing 1.4 years — from 76.5 years in 1997 to 77.9 in 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The life expectancy data, compiled by the agency’s National Center for Health Statistics, are based on nearly 90 percent of the death certificates filed in the United States. 

Doctors say that not only is lifespan increasing, but more important, the “active” lifespan is increasing as well. 

“The most noteworthy aspect about all this is not just that people are living longer but living better,” said Dr. Gary Kennedy, director of geriatric psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, N.Y. “At the same time, people are living a longer active lifespan. Seniors are healthier, more active and economically better off than they ever have been.”

So many of us are going to be around a lot longer than a few decades ago. This presents challenges—and benefits—to communities and governments as well as families. What are some of the things the Bible says about all of this? Here are a few quotes:

For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. - Psa 90:10-12 ESV

The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. - Psa 92:12-15 ESV

The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair. - Proverbs 20:29 ESV 

Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. - Proverbs 23:22 ESV

Good counsel from the LORD Himself. A heart of wisdom has to do with learning both about our sinfulness and also our Savior, Jesus, God's wisdom (1 Cor.1:24). Guided by Him we become both aware of life's brevity, regardless of our age, and life's hope, reaching into eternity.

And note the promise about the righteous, that is  those who walk by faith. "They are ever full of sap and green." Yes, we have His life flowing within and a whole life of experience to share how He blesses, rebukes, forgives and guides. Not all wisdom resides in the youth. We grey hairs have much to share. And so we shall, with love and patience as the opportunity arises.

And finally, a word of encouragement to all caregivers of us elderly. Think about what your parents gave to you. Life is much more than physically breathing, drinking, eating and walking around. Your parents gave you family life and an extended family, guidance and support as you matured and above all, they led you to Him from whom all life flows, even Jesus. If any or all of this is true, you have the responsibility in love to actively listen to them and honor them as they age. Many blessings flow from following the command to honor your father and mother. He promises that your life and the lives of your children will be blessed by the LORD who gave us this command from the beginning:

"'Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. - Deut. 5:16 ESV