John Enters the Throne Room of God -3
v.7-8 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”
As other symbols revealed in Revelation, the uniquely distinct forms and features of these “living ones” isn’t intended to be a literal resemblance but characterizations of something far more significant. When I refer to my truck as a “work horse” for instance, you would understand that it describes the sturdiness and reliability of my vehicle and not a literal horse. This is how we must consider the symbols. In this case, the four “faces” of these angelic beings are characterizations of Jesus Christ.
- The “lion” – this speaks of Jesus as the Messiah of Israel. “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed…” (Rev.5:5)
- The “calf” (a beast of burden) – this speaks of Him as the suffering Servant. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Mark 10:45)
- The “man” – this speaks of Christ in His incarnation as the Son of Man, the God who became Man. “Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men” (Phil.2:6,7)
- The “flying eagle” (the greatest of all birds) – this speaks of Christ in His Deity as the Son of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:1, 14)
Okay, now let’s consider the uniqueness of their employment. They yield both life and breath inside a ministry of praise to Almighty God—non-stop, without rest, day and night. Listen to them:
“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come”
He is Lord, Jehovah, the God of Redemption; He is God, the Strong One with all power in Himself; He is the Almighty, Creator, the One Who is the source of life, strength, and nourishment. Little wonder that one whose heart has beheld God could refrain from declaring, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord…” (Ps.150:6)
v.9-11 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power. For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”
With nothing in themselves worthy to offer Jesus for His Great Work, the elders remove their crowns and lay them at the feet of God. They offer only that which He has given them – their crowns (read supplementary notes).
Here’s a thought, dear ones.
Whereas a crown of life was promised to the over comers in Smyrna (2:10), an admonition to hold fast to their crowns was given to those in Philadelphia (3:11). In other words, crowns can be gained or lost. We can enter heaven with a crown or without a crown.
Perhaps we should contemplate the moment we behold Jesus and consider whether we will possess a crown as an offering to Him or simply stand in His presence empty-handed. With such a glorious opportunity to revere Him, it would be sad for us to miss it.