Between Heaven And Earth There Is An Open Door (Come On Up) Series

OPEN DOOR OF - Praise

These living creatures sing ceaselessly: ’Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!’ The elders on the 24 thrones join them in singing, and what do they say? "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power!" Why? "For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." The one who sits on the throne in heaven is the God who God created heaven and earth, All the majesty John saw around and on the throne of heaven draws out how completely heaven above rules over the earth beneath. They declare His "worthiness". They declare His power. They declare His right to rule and reign. They declare their agreement with what He is about to do in the world. They declare the fact that He made the world and all that is in it. It is His and He can do with it as He pleases! (Ill. There will be no songs about evolution in glory!) Heaven will literally throb with the praises of God!

On the earth John saw only brokenness, disillusionment. What started so wonderfully in the ministry of Jesus Christ and the outpouring of His Holy Spirit had seemed far away; according to the evidence one sees on earth, heaven was obviously closed.... The word "looked upon" in verse 3 is the Greek word horasis it gives great emphasis. It shows that John was absolutely overcome when he saw the throne. He could only stand and stare and not take his eyes off the Lord. We should be totally occupied with the person of Christ and should have no desire to look elsewhere.

There are, says the Lord, two realms to this existence, and between these two is an open door. What is one to say, then, of all the brokenness on the earth beneath? In the midst of this brokenness John must feast his eyes on the glory of heaven! We live on this earth, congregation, and here we look around us. What do we see? We see just this earth, a closed world..., and so much turmoil, strife -- even amongst brethren. What the eye sees is so discouraging.... For that reason the Lord directs us to a reality the naked eye cannot see, directs us to that open door!

The One sitting in verses two and three is identified as the Lord God Almighty in verse eight. He is described in terms of two precious stones which were the first and last stones in the breastplate of the High priest.

Around the throne was a rainbow the light green colour of an emerald, the rainbow of brilliant flashing gems was a vivid reminder of the faithfulness of God Genesis 9:11-17 This rainbow completely encircles the throne of God which intimates that the ancient promise of the covenant with Noah will stand forever.

The original rainbow of Genesis 9:11-17 spoke of God’s covenant with Noah and included "all flesh that is on the earth." Never again would the earth be judged by a universal flood. In addition, the emerald stone in the High Priest’s breastplate, stood for Levi, the priestly tribe. The Levitical offerings of Leviticus 1-5 spoke of the work of Christ on the cross. Emerald is a colour of propitiation through Christ. Because of Him we have "peace with God" (Romans 5:1; Ephesians 5:26-28).