A GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN
A GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN
Revelation 5:5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.
With chapter 4 the end of days revelation began to be revealed to the apostle John and also to us. Up to this time we saw where Jesus was instructing the seven churches in what we call Turkey today. Now comes a revelation that is for all people regarding the seven years of tribulation before Jesus returns, 1,000 years of Jesus’ rule on earth along with the the resurrected church, the Great White Throne Judgment and then a new heaven (sky) and earth. No one Jesus says but the Heavenly Father knows when it will begin, but Jesus tells us that it will happen.
Chapter 4 sees John taken up to heaven in his spirit. While there the revelation is revealed. Only in Chapter 10 do we see an angel reveal something to John that he can not write down for others to know. I personally think that the angel told him about the rapture. We see where Jesus talks about it in Matthew 24:40,41. He says that two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken other other left. Two men will be in a field with one taken and the other left behind. We also have the parable of the 10 virgins. Here 5 will be taken and 5 left. The exact time for the rapture and Jesus return is kept a secret. The reason for this is that people would try and take advantage of God, and use the information to try and get into heaven when they really didn’t love Jesus. Once in heaven John sees God on his throne. He is awesome, and I am sure frightening as lightning is flashing and rumblings and peals of thunder from the throne of God. God is showing John that he is nothing to be trifled with. All of heaven bows down before the Lord, and even becomes dead silent at times. God has the appearance of jasper (mulit colored) and carnelian (orange or deep rusty brown), a rainbow and an emerald (green). In this we see the God eternal (green) God of many races (jasper) God of life (carnelian), and a God of promises (rainbow). There are 24 elders possibly symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles. We see a sea of glass as clear as crystal before the throne. Many believe that these are those who have chosen to trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They appear clear and calm because their sins have been removed and are at total peace with God.
In chapter 5 we see a scroll that has 7 seals on it. Only Jesus is able to unroll it breaking one seal at a time. With each seal comes new judgments by God on a rebellious world that continues to reject Jesus and repent of their sinfulness. The very last seal on the scroll has within it two more seals with seven seals in each of the two seals. The 7th seal begins with 7 trumpets. With the 7th trumpet comes 7 bowls. So with the 7th seal there are 7 trumpets and 7 bowls. As each seal is opened the judgment of God becomes greater and greater. It is said they will be as the pain with childbirth. The pain will gradually begin, and near the end while unstoppable also unbearable.
In Luke 21:36 Jesus said that we should pray that we might not have to go through this, but that we might escape and that we can stand before the Son of Man. It will be a great tribulation that the world has never seen before. People will try to hid in caves even hoping that rock might fall on them so they will die.
Then John hears a new song being sung in chapter 5. It says, “ You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God and every tribe and language and people and nation. You gave made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on earth.” Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands, and ten thousands upon thousands, and ten thousands times ten thousands. The encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: ‘Worthy is the lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’”
Heaven is a wonderful place, filled with glory and grace. What a day it will be when we see Jesus face to face in all his glory! Are you ready to stand before the Lord knowing now what it will be like? If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, then you are not ready. Ask him right now before it is too late.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, how wonderful you are to love us so much as to go to Calvary’s cross for us. We can’t comprehend your majesty and glory that you have now as you are seated beside the Heavenly Father. Please keep us close to your heart,and bring us unto our salvation with you in heaven. We ask this in your holy name.
