A Sea of Glass and Four Living Beings (Rev. 4:6)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 04/14/2005

 

My Worship Time                  Focus:  A Sea of Glass and Four Living Beings

 

Bible Reading & Meditation             Reference:  Revelations 4:6

 

            Message of the verse:  “In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal. In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back.”  (NLT)  “In front of the throne there appears a sea of glass as clear as crystal. On each side, encircling the throne, are four living creatures covered with eyes in front and behind.”  (Philips)

            It is very hard to be sure exactly what the “sea of glass” really is.  I have read a number of things from different people who have written on this verse and they go from this representing the Word of God, to this representing believers resting on a calm sea.  One writer even said that there really was no sea, but something that looked like a sea and this may be true because there are many symbolisms in this book.  Dr. Wiersbe in his book compared the temple in the OT with these things that are described in Revelations that are around the throne of God.  In this description he compared this sea of glass with the Bronze Laver. 

            John now goes on to describe the four living beings which are on each side, encircling the throne.  He goes on to describe them more fully in verse seven, but he does say that they have eyes in front and behind in this verse.  Dr. Wiersbe suggests that they eyes could represent God’s Wisdom.

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today: It is difficult to understand everything that is written in this book, and it is interesting to read what others have written as to what the meanings of these many symbols are in this book, but one thing for sure all of these mysteries will be made clear someday when I get to heaven and see my Lord Jesus Christ face to face.  I will get a lot smarter on that day, and I will be without the thing that causes me to have the most trouble while here on earth trying to worship and serve the Lord and that is the old nature.

 

 The Word of God was a challenge to understand as I read it this morning.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  This is a big one today as I am suppose to go up near Toledo with our new Pastor, youth Pastor and two deacons from our church for a leadership conference and this has given me great fear in my heart, which I know is sinful.  IBS is a major part of the problem, but I believe the Lord wants me to go and will give me the courage to overcome my fear and that is my step of faith today.