Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage is found in the tenth and eleventh chapters of this New Testament book. “And I saw another might angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: and he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right food upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, and cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets” (Revelation 10:1-7).

 

            “And the voice which I heard from haven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the seat and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings” (Revelation 10:8-11).

 

            “And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them t hat worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall like in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly” (Revelation 11:1-14).

 

            “And the seven angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth” (Revelation 11:15-18).

 

            “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail” (Revelation 11:19).

 

            When you come to the tenth and eleventh chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ you will find the continuation of events which would take place in heaven and would directly impact the earth. Perhaps one of the greatest truths that is found within this prophetic book is when you consider the fact that the events which would take place upon the earth were indeed directly authored and anchored by the events which would take place in heaven. In fact there would not be a single event that would take place within and upon the earth that would not be directly authorized in heaven by the eternal and living God. The more you read the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ the more you will be brought face to face with the awesome and incredible truth that everything begins with and at the throne and has the Lamb at the center. THE THRONE AND THE LAMB! If you want to truly understand the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ you must needs recognize that everything which took place in heaven and everything which took place upon the earth would be directly connected and linked to the throne of God which was set in heaven and the Lamb of God which was slain before the foundation of the world. In fact I am absolutely convinced this is why in the fourth and fifth chapters we find the apostle John encountering the throne of God in heaven. In order to understand that which would take place in the earth you must first begin in heaven and at the throne of God in heaven.

 

            I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this prophetic book and I can’t help but think about and be brought face to face with the tremendous truth that many men and women—whether they be those who are in positions of leadership and government in the nations of this world or whether they be normal citizens of each individual country—view the events which take place in the earth through the lens of the earthly and natural lens. There are very few who truly take a look behind the scenes and beyond the curtain and see that which is truly taking place and that which is truly behind the scenes at work in the earth. Much like Dorothy, the Lion and the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz when they entered into the palace and realized that the wizard was nothing more than a man behind the curtain giving the appearance of something that was much different than it was so also men and women within the earth are unable to see and recognize the true author of the events which are unfolding within and upon the earth. Please note this is in no way to suggest that the living and eternal God who sits upon the throne in the heavens as like the wizard in the Wizard of Oz but rather to call and draw your attention to the fact that there is a great need for men and women to have the veil removed that they might be able to look beyond the curtain if you will and see that which is truly taking place in the earth today.

 

            The more I think about this particular truth the more I am brought face to face with the tremendous truth that there is a great need for men and women in this generation during these Last Days who desperately need to recognize the true author of the events which are taking place before and all around us. With this being said it must be noted and understood that this is by no means declaring and proclaiming the living and eternal God creates evil and is behind any of the evil which takes place in the world. We know that the suffering that is in the world, the evil that is in the world, and pretty much everything else we experience in this world is authorized and permitted by the living and eternal God. Much like the suffering which would take place in the life of Job was not authored by God but rather permitted by Him so also the events which we witness in this world are not authored by God but are rather permitted by His divine omniscience and providence. I am absolutely and completely convinced that when we think about and consider the suffering of Job and that which Satan afflicted him with we have a powerful picture of that which helps us understand that which takes place within our world today—and not only what is taking place in the world today but also that which has taken place in the world. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the suffering of Job for if there is one thing it reveals unto us it’s that the One who is seated upon the throne in heaven authorizes and permits anything and everything that takes place within and upon the earth. Do you really believe that there is anything which takes place upon the earth that takes the living God by surprise and/or even shocks Him? Do you truly believe that the living and eternal God is ever taken back and caught off guard by the events which take place in the earth during the generations in which men have walked upon the face of the earth?

 

            It is with this in mind I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the first and second chapters of the prophetic book of Job. It is the words which we find here in these two chapters we are brought face to face with the awesome and incredible truth surrounding the suffering and affliction of Job and how although it was Satan who was behind that suffering it was the living God who authorized and permitted it. Perhaps one of the greatest truths many struggle with when considering the suffering of Job is how a loving, caring, gracious, merciful and compassionate God could and would allow such suffering and affliction to take place within the life of one such as Job. How could a loving and caring God allow such suffering to take place within the life of one who was righteous, one who feared God and one who shunned evil? There are many throughout the years who have read the Old Testament book of Job and have truly wrestled with how the living and eternal God could and would allow such suffering to take place within the life of Job all the while not realizing that His ways are not our ways neither are His thoughts our thoughts. Having said this I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention first and foremost to the words which are found in the prophetic books of Isaiah and Jeremiah concerning the thoughts and plans of the eternal God and then the words which are found in the first two chapters of the Old Testament poetic book of Job. With this in mind I invite you to consider if you will the following words which are found in each of these passages of Scripture:

 

            “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, Call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: And let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:6-11).

 

It is here in this passage of Scripture we find and read the living and eternal God emphatically proclaiming and declaring through His servant Isaiah that His ways are not the ways of man neither are His thoughts the thoughts of man. In fact we must needs recognize that His ways are higher and His thoughts are higher than those of man and that there are times when man cannot and will not truly understand and comprehend the thoughts and/or ways of the LORD. This is something we must needs recognize when we consider the suffering and affliction of Job for when we read the poetic book of Job we must needs view it through the lens of that which was authorized and permitted by heaven. What’s more is that we must needs view the poetic book of Job and the events which took place within his life through the lens of the omniscience and divine will of the living God. Clearly the thoughts and ways of the living God were far greater and much higher than that of Job and even his three friends who would come unto him. One of the greatest truths that is found within the prophetic book of Job is that neither Job nor his three friends could at all understand the divine ways and thoughts of the living God. In fact it might very well be said that the ways and thoughts of the living God were hidden and concealed from Job and his friends until the appointed time within the own heart and mind of the living God when He would break the silence and finally reveal His heart and His mind.

 

            There are those who have felt and even at this time feel as though the way of the living and eternal God is hidden from them and that it is not clear to see or understand that which He has ordained and purposed. There are countless men and women who have an incredibly difficult time recognizing and understanding the awesome and powerful truth that the living and eternal God does in fact have thoughts and ways we cannot and do not understand—and perhaps never will understand this side of eternity. I am convinced this is what is so incredibly unique and powerful about the words which the living God spoke through His servant Jeremiah when He instructed him to write a letter and send it unto the captives and exiles. I firmly believe that in addition to the words which we find in the prophetic book of Isaiah so also must we consider the words which are found in the prophetic book of Jeremiah concerning the plans which the living God has for us. If in the prophetic book of Isaiah we encounter the thoughts and ways of the Lord—and not only the thoughts and ways of the LORD but also the word of the living God—then we must needs consider the plans of the LORD which are found and mentioned in the prophetic book of Jeremiah. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the Old Testament prophetic book of Jeremiah. Consider if you will the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture beginning with the eleventh verse:

 

            “For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive” (Jeremiah 29:10-14).

           

            It’s incredibly unique to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and consider language which was indeed similar to that which was found in the prophetic book of Isaiah. It was in the prophetic book of Isaiah we encounter the prophet not only speaking of the thoughts of the LORD but also speaking of the ways of the LORD. What’s more is that directly linked and connected to the thoughts and ways of the LORD is seeking the LORD—and not only seeking the LORD but seeking the LORD while He may be found and while He may be near. Within the prophetic book of Jeremiah you will find the living God beautifully declaring that He knows the thoughts which He thought toward the exiled and captive people—thoughts of peace, and not evil, and to give them an expected end. With this being said you will find the living and eternal God going on to declare unto them that they would call upon Him and would go and pray unto Him and He would hearken unto them. Not only this but He would also go on to declare that they would seek Him and find Him when they searched for Him with all the heart. Moreover the living God would also go on to declare unto them that He would be found of them and would turn away their captivity and would gather them from all the nations and places where He had driven them. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for directly connected to the thoughts of the living God is calling upon Him, praying unto Him and seeking Him. The promise the living God gives to those who call upon Him and pray unto Him is that He would hearken unto them and to those who seek Him they would find Him when they searched for Him with all the heart. What’s more is the living and eternal God would declare a second time that he would indeed be found of them.

 

            I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize and understand the words which are found in these two prophetic books within the Old Testament for they call and draw our attention to the thoughts and ways of the LORD—and not only the thoughts and ways of the LORD but also the tremendous need in the midst of our lives to call upon Him, to seek Him, and to pray unto Him. If there is one thing you won’t find in the prophetic book of Job it’s time taken out by Job and even his three friends to call upon the name of the LORD and to seek His face. From the third chapter until the fortieth chapter you will find tremendous dialogues taking place between Job and his three friends but not once would they stop and agree together in pray that they might call upon the name of the LORD and seek His face. It is actually quite astonishing to think about and consider this for in our present generation during these Last Days there are men and women who would rather dialogue and discuss the events that are taking place rather than taking the time to seek the face of the living God and call upon His name. Even within many of our churches men and women would rather preach about the events which are unfolding among us in this generation rather than actually taking the time to seek the face of God, pray and call upon His name. Oh remember if you will the words which the living and eternal God spoke and promised unto Solomon in response to the prayer he prayed at the dedication of the Temple:

 

            “And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night ,and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from heir wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments; then I will stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel” (2 Chronicles 7:11-18).

 

            Oh please don’t miss and lose sight of the words which are found within this passage of Scripture for it brings us face to face with the incredibly awesome and powerful truth that if the living God shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if He command the locusts to devour the land, or if He were to send pestilence upon the land—if His people which were called by His name would humble themselves, and pray, and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways then He would hear from heaven, and would forgive their sin and would heal their land. This is something we must needs recognize and understand when considering the truth around the suffering and affliction of Job for before Job himself would be healed he would pray for and intercede on behalf of his friends. Job would indeed be confronted with and by the authority and the dominion of the living God—and not only the authority and dominion but also the omniscience of the living God. It would be at the end of this book we find Job repenting and praying unto the living God and ultimately being restored and healed. Job himself would encounter and experience the very thing Solomon would hear directly from the mouth of the LORD when He appeared to him by night.

 

            Before we transition back to the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words in the first and second chapters of the Old Testament poetic book of Job. It is here within these two chapters where we find the events which would take place in the earth being authorized and permitted by the living God. That which would take place and unfold in the life of Job would not come without and apart from the living and eternal God permitting it directly from his throne. Pause for a moment and consider the fact that Satan would come and appear before the throne of God in heaven amidst the sons of God and directly from that throne the living and eternal God would authorize and permit him to touch everything that belonged to Job save keeping and withholding his hand from the physical body of Job. Satan would depart from the presence of the living God and would immediately strip Job of absolutely everything he had from his possessions to his ten children. Only his wife, his life and his health would be left after he received reports from each of the servants who survived the tragedies which unfolded in the midst of the earth. Eventually, however, Job’s health would be touched as Satan would himself return for one more assault and attack upon His life—one that would touch his physical body. Satan would depart from the presence of the living God a second time and would immediately strike Job from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet with sore boils thus leaving him with only his wife and his life. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the first and second chapters of the Old Testament poetic book of Job:

 

            “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth ,and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increase in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord” (Job 1:6-12).

 

            “And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house: And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: and the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned us the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to teel thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house: and, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escasped alone to tell thee. Then Job arise, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped. And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away: Blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:13-21).

 

            “Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? And still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without a cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips” (Job 2:1-10).

 

            Pay attention to the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for what they present us with is Job and even his three friends not truly understand and comprehending that which was taking place within his life. Oh there was indeed a glimpse of Job recognizing and understanding the providence, omniscience and will of the eternal Father when he declared and proclaimed that the LORD gave and the LORD had taken away. Not only this but Job would also asked his wife if they should receive good at the hand of God and ought not also receive evil. It is with these two encounters and interactions between Job and his wife in response to his suffering and affliction that seem to indicate that he had some semblance of reality concerning that which took place within his life. Although chapters three through thirty-nine would indeed contain dialogues and discussions which would take place between Job and his three friends and ultimately a fourth individual there would be very little discussion around what might ultimately be that which would take place in the midst of the life of Job. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s that heaven itself and the living God who sat upon the throne in heaven authorized and permitted the suffering and affliction of Job in this world. This is something we have great need of recognizing and understanding—particularly and especially when considering the words which are found in the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ for in chapters four through seven we find a powerful manifestation of the throne and the Lamb—or perhaps the throne and the Son.

 

            I am absolutely convinced that if you want to truly understand the words which are found in the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ there is a great need to view everything which would take place in the earth through the lens of the throne of the living God and the Lamb which was present in the midst of heaven. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this awesome and incredible truth for it calls and draws our attention to that which permitted and authorized each and every one of the events which took place in the midst of the earth. Everything we read within the pages and verses of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ brings us face to face with the throne of God which is set in heaven as the ultimate authority surrounding and behind everything which took place upon the earth. You cannot truly understand that which took place within the earth without first beginning with the throne and it is for this very reason I believe the angel which spoke unto the apostle John called him to come up and see those things which must come thereafater. Oh there is something incredibly unique and powerful when considering the words which are found in the fourth chapter through the seventh chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ for in order for the apostle John to understand that which must needs take place there was a great need to begin at the throne. What we must needs understand is that everything begins at the throne and with the One who is seated upon the throne. If there is one thing the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ reveals it’s that all that unfolded within the earth as recorded in this prophetic book would indeed begin with and at the throne of God—and not only with and at the throne of God but also with the One who was seated upon the throne.

 

            Having said this I invite you to consider if you will the following words which are found in the fourth chapter of this prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ beginning to read with and from the first and opening verse:

 

            “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:1-11).

 

            The words which we find in this passage of Scripture are incredibly necessary for us to recognize and pay attention to for they call and draw our attention to the absolutely awesome and powerful truth surrounding the throne being at the center of everything which took place in the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. What’s more is that I would dare say that the throne of heaven is at the very center of everything that happens in heaven as well as everything that happens within and upon the earth. Although the throne of God isn’t always visible and cannot be seen with the naked and human eye we must needs recognize that the throne of God is indeed the very foundation of everything that exists—from heaven itself to the earth and everything which therein dwells and moves. If there is one thing the words within this passage brings us face to face with it’s that if we want to understand that which takes place in heaven and that which takes place in the earth we must needs begin with and at the throne of the living God. It is in the fourth chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ we are brought face to face with the absolutely awesome and astounding truth that everything we read in the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ begins with and at the throne of God—and not only with and at the throne but also with the One who was seated upon the throne. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the awesome and powerful truth surrounding the throne of God being at the center of everything which takes place in heaven—and not only everything that takes place in heaven but also the very worship in heaven itself.

 

            When you read the words written and recorded in the fourth chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ you will find the beginning of the revelation and vision of the events which would unfold upon the earth beginning in heaven—and not only beginning in heaven itself but with and at the very throne of the living God. What’s more is that in the fourth chapter we not only encounter the throne of God but also the worship which took place before and around the throne as the four and twenty elders and the four living creatures would indeed worship before the throne of the living God and the One who was seated upon the throne. As you come to the fifth chapter of this prophetic book you continue to find the throne of God which was present in the midst of heaven but you will find directly associated with the throne of God would be the Lamb which had seven horns and seven eyes which were the seven Spirits of the living God which went out into all the earth. There is something we must needs recognize concerning the language contained within the fifth chapter for while everything does indeed and does in fact begin with the throne of the living God the fifth chapter introduces us to the Lamb of God who would take center stage—not only in the midst of the throne and assembly in heaven but also in the midst of everything which took place in heaven and the earth. The fifth chapter would begin and open with the One seated upon the throne holding a book and none in heaven, nor none in the earth, nor any under the earth being found worthy to take the book from the hand of the living God and break the seals and read the content therein. It would be this very reality that would cause the apostle John to weep bitterly for there was found none worthy to take the book from the hand of the living God and to read the contents which were present therein.

 

            As you continue reading the words found in the fifth chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ you can and will encounter and come face to face with one of the elders coming unto the apostle John and encouraging him not to weep for there was indeed one who was worthy. That one who was worthy was the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of Jesse who had suffered, who had died and who had overcome. It would be the Lamb of God which was slain before the foundation of the world who would be worthy to take of the scroll from the hand of the living God and to open the contents which were present therein. The scene in heaven would continue to unfold as the Lamb would take the scroll from the hand of the living God who sat upon the throne in heaven. The taking of the scroll which was in the hand of the One who was seated upon the throne would ignite a chorus and symphony of worship which would take place in the midst of heaven. The four and twenty elders and the four living creatures would sing a new sung in response to the Lamb taking the scroll from the hand of the One who sat upon the throne for He had not only conquered and overcome but he was also found worthy to take of the scroll and to read the contents therein. What’s more is that the four and twenty elders and the four living creatures wouldn’t be the only ones who would join in this chorus and symphony of worship for a great multitude of angels too enumerable to count would join in this great chorus unto the Lamb and unto the One who was seated upon the throne.

 

            The more you read the words which are found in the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ the more you will be brought face to face with the incredibly awesome and powerful truth surrounding the throne being at the center of everything which took place in heaven and on the earth. What’s more is that the introduction of the Lamb would be absolutely necessary for it would be the Lamb who would not only take the scroll which was in the hand of the One who sat upon the throne but would also break the seven seals which were upon the scroll. If you begin reading with the first verse of the sixth chapter you will find that not only did the Lamb of God take from the hand of the One who sat upon the throne the scroll but He would also begin breaking the seals. With the breaking of each of the seven seals you will find a corresponding event taking place within the earth as the breaking of the seals would directly impact the earth and the inhabitants of the earth. The breaking of the first four seals would bring forth the four horsemen of the apocalypse who would go forth riding upon the earth—each with their own unique purpose within and in the midst of the earth. This is something which must be understood for although the throne of the living God and the One who is seated upon the throne in heaven is indeed at the very heart of everything that takes place in heaven and on the earth it would be the Lamb who would begin to bring about the manifestation of the events which were reserved until this appointed time within and upon the earth. It would be the Lamb of God and his breaking of the seven seals that would bring about the corresponding events which would take place in the midst of the earth. Oh consider if you will the following words which are found in the sixth chapter concerning the breaking of the first six seals which were upon the scroll:

            “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. And when he had opened the second seal, I heard a second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun becamse black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:1-17).

 

            It is absolutely unmistakable when reading the words which are found in the sixth chapter that the Lamb of God which was slain before the foundation of the world would indeed be at the center of the events which would take place in the midst of the earth. With each breaking of the seals which were upon the scroll which was taken from the hand of the One who sat upon the throne there would be corresponding events which would take place within and upon the earth—great judgments, plagues, and the like that would devastatethe earth together with its inhabitants. In fact the sixth chapter would conclude with the kings of the earth, the rulers, the princes, the mighty men and the chief men hiding themselves in the great day of the wrath of the Lamb and asking who shall be able to stand in the great day of His wrath which had come. This is something which must be recognized and understood for when you come to the eighth chapter on you will find the breaking of the final seal as well as the beginning of the sounding of seven trumpets which would be blown by seven angels reserved for this very moment in eternity and time. The eighth chapter of this prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ would indeed begin with the opening and breaking of the seventh seal and there being silence in heaven about the space of a half an hour. When once heaven was filled with a great chorus of worship from the four and twenty elders, the four living creatures and all the angels round about the throne it would now be silent in preparation for that which would take place in the midst of the earth.

 

            The more you read the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ the more you will find the transition from the breaking of the seven seals to the blowing of the seven trumpets and the corresponding events which the sound of the trumpets would make within and upon the earth. Beginning with the second verse of the eighth chapter of this prophetic book you will find the apostle John witnessing and beholding the blowing of seven trumpets by seven angels and how the sound each trumpet made would indeed bring about events which would completely shake the earth together with its inhabitants. The breaking of the seven seals would indeed bring about great devastation and destruction upon the face of the earth and its inhabitants, however, the blowing of the seven trumpets would bring about greater judgment—and not only greater judgment but the unleashing of great evil and wickedness upon the face of the earth. It would be in chapters six and seven we find the breaking of the seven seals while in chapters eight through ten we find the blowing of the seven trumpets. What’s more is that before we witness and behold the great war which broke out in the midst of heaven between Michael and his angels and the dragon and his angels we find the breaking of the seven seals and the blowing of the seven trumpets. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for it calls and draws our attention to the great judgments and wrath of the living which would be manifested within and upon the face of the earth. While the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ is indeed a vision and revelation concerning Jesus Himself it is also a tremendous vision of the great judgments, plagues and wrath of the living God upon the earth together with its inhabitants. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the eighth, ninth and tenth chapters:

 

            “And I saw seven angels which stood before God: and to them were given seven trumpets. And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thundering, and lightnings, and an earthquake. And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and there were cast upon the earth: and the third part of the trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; and the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; and the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound” (Revelation 8:1-13).

 

            As I bring this writing to a close it is absolutely necessary and imperative we recognize and understand the events which take place within these chapters as the divine judgments and wrath of the living God which would be manifested within and upon the earth. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it brings us face to face with the awesome reality that within the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ is the divine judgments and wrath of the living God being manifested in the midst of the earth. That which we find and read within these chapters bring us face to face with the judgments and wrath of the living God—and not only the judgment and wrath of the living God but also the tremendous call to repentance. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand it’s that not only did the living God execute His judgment and wrath upon the earth but in the midst of that judgment was repentance and the call for men and women to turn their hearts to Him. Even in the midst of the judgments which were being executed upon the earth there would be the testimony of the two witnesses as well as the proclamation in heaven calling men to repent before the throne of the living God. If you read the words which are found in this prophetic book you must needs understand that while it is indeed a book that is centered upon the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ that revelation is a marriage of judgment and mercy. Even during the days of the judgment and wrath of the living God we find a powerful plea and invitation given unto men to turn from their wicked ways and repent before and in the sight of the living God. Oh that we would recognize that even in the midst of the judgment of the Lord there is a powerful display of mercy and a call for repentance as mercy triumphs over judgment and the living God is not willing that any should perish. Oh that we would read this prophetic book and not only recognize and understand that the coming and appearing of the Lord Jesus is near but also that we have indeed been called to repentance, holiness and righteousness in His sight and presence.