Why do we build a throne for God?
· Gold
· Frankincense
· Myrrh
with good reason.
A carpenter obviously found work in Egypt too, but for an entire family, this whole transition was not quite so simple. Women were not part of the breadwinning class, and raising children in safety and peace is not possible without a stable foundation.
Secondly, these gifts came from a spiritual source (from the Magii) where people who were far from God and His covenant openly recognised that a Mighty Ruler — greater than any earthly power — had come to earth. This indirectly pointed to the ripple Jesus' arrival caused in the spiritual world! A king arrived at that time — but what a king!
He receives gold as a mark of reverence, befitting a king. He receives frankincense as a priest (High Priest). Myrrh is given to him, which in those days was a staple of prophets (and mystic seers), and whose psychedelic effects aided in revelation. (The wise men had obviously not heard that Israel’s ‘seers’ communicated through the Holy Spirit.) From this, the significance of myrrh becomes clear.
The ripple of the Glory
We often sing:
"Jesus, we enthrone you..
And as we worship fill the throne
Come lord Jesus and take your place"
Don Moen — Jesus, we enthrone you
However, we are moving beyond the beautiful and emotionally charged melodies of the 1980s and 1990s. These moments at the Fin de siècle and the Turn of this century served as a genuine source of inspiration for many generations. Yet The Worship is not merely a product of the moment, nor is it confined to a specific festive aspect of Christian culture.
And as we worship fill the throne
Come lord Jesus and take your place"
Don Moen — Jesus, we enthrone you
Their followers were no exception. But. After the Pentecost They were so immersed in the Holy Spirit that they attracted hundreds, leaving them in awe, and triggered a nervous, later furious reaction from the Jewish priesthood and from the Roman Empire: The Great Empire, a laid-back, saturated, purposeless, and utterly carnal domain, felt the fearful touch of the Holy. It reacted almost immediately.
Who is in the heaven
Our Father in heaven,
Your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Mt 6:9-10
seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
Mt 6:33
(Holman CSB)
In heaven, God reigns and sits on His throne, where there is true righteousness and Holiness dwell, and where God’s reality, justice and beauty are present in a tangible, perceptible form. He is not merely a god {with certain function} amongst some group of supernatural beings. Your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
Mt 6:9-10
Mt 6:33
(Holman CSB)
Weaver bird meditation
We’ll explore the topic in depth, and I suggest that the reader reflect on each chapter. There will be repetitions; this is part of the learning process. It’s no coincidence, then, if you come across certain verses again and again. You may well see things in a new light. That is my hope. I shall be a weaver bird, crafting a safe nest, a good haven for your faith from interwoven leaves.Our starting point is the Throne — and if You succeed, this is exactly where you will return to when you reflect personally and ask for Christ’s help along the way.
Starting Point — The Throne and its surroundings
God is, therefore, the one true Living God, possessing true, living and effective power. As King, He reigns over the heavenly powers and the forces that carry out His will. We read of hosts of angels and of the glorious service of beings — unimaginable to us — such as the seraphim.
Seraphim were standing above Him; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
Isa 6:2
Isa 6:2
Reflexion: something about the wings of the Seraphim
Two are used to cover the face: out of reverence for God’s glory and holiness.
Two are used to cover the feet: as a sign of humility, or to conceal mundane, earthly matters.
Two are for flying: this can have several meanings:
On the one hand, it expresses swift, unhindered movement: for the immediate fulfilment of God’s will.
On the other hand, according to the text’s implication: they were floating. This, in turn, points to a heavenly identity.
Two are used to cover the face: out of reverence for God’s glory and holiness.
Two are used to cover the feet: as a sign of humility, or to conceal mundane, earthly matters.
Two are for flying: this can have several meanings:
On the one hand, it expresses swift, unhindered movement: for the immediate fulfilment of God’s will.
On the other hand, according to the text’s implication: they were floating. This, in turn, points to a heavenly identity.
The closest parallel to Isaiah’s vision is found in Ezekiel 1 in the OT then in the New Testament, we find the vision of the Apostle John in Revelation 4:8.
When we read Ezekiel then Revelation the difference is nuanced: Ezekiel explicitly equates his "four living creatures" with the cherubim, whereas John’s "four living creatures" in Revelation are a composite vision about them, blending Cherubim and Seraphim. The era is different and the message is not exactly the same.
"In Ezekiel 1, the prophet sees four "living creatures" (chayyot) emerging from a storm cloud. Four wings, four faces. Later, in Ezekiel 10:20, during a second vision in the Jerusalem temple, Ezekiel explicitly states: "I knew that they were cherubim." For Ezekiel, "living creature" was a general descriptive term that he later precisely categorized under the theological banner of cherubim."
In Revelation 4:6–9, the Apostle John sees four "living creatures" (zōa) surrounding the heavenly throne. Six wings, one distinct face per creature. John never explicitly calls them cherubim. Instead, his description acts as a literary synthesis of Ezekiel’s cherubim (possessing the four faces and eyes) and Isaiah’s seraphim (possessing six wings and singing the Trisagion / "Holy, holy, holy")"
(helpmethebiblestudy.com; bible.org)
When we read Ezekiel then Revelation the difference is nuanced: Ezekiel explicitly equates his "four living creatures" with the cherubim, whereas John’s "four living creatures" in Revelation are a composite vision about them, blending Cherubim and Seraphim. The era is different and the message is not exactly the same.
"In Ezekiel 1, the prophet sees four "living creatures" (chayyot) emerging from a storm cloud. Four wings, four faces. Later, in Ezekiel 10:20, during a second vision in the Jerusalem temple, Ezekiel explicitly states: "I knew that they were cherubim." For Ezekiel, "living creature" was a general descriptive term that he later precisely categorized under the theological banner of cherubim."
In Revelation 4:6–9, the Apostle John sees four "living creatures" (zōa) surrounding the heavenly throne. Six wings, one distinct face per creature. John never explicitly calls them cherubim. Instead, his description acts as a literary synthesis of Ezekiel’s cherubim (possessing the four faces and eyes) and Isaiah’s seraphim (possessing six wings and singing the Trisagion / "Holy, holy, holy")"
(helpmethebiblestudy.com; bible.org)
“And the four living creatures, each had six wings, and they were covered with eyes all round, inside and out. Day and night, without ceasing, they cried out:
‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,
who was, who is, and who is to come!’”
Revelation 4:6–9
As for the continual adoration worship and reflective awe these beings are the closest creatures to the glory of Gd Almighty. They form the living chariot of God’s throne.
‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,
who was, who is, and who is to come!’”
Revelation 4:6–9
The main characteristics of the creatures, as described in Revelation 4:6–8, are stated in various ways:
We see four different faces: The first living creature resembles a lion, the second a calf, the third a man, and the fourth a flying eagle* (Rev 4:7). The multitude of eyes is remarkable: they are filled with complete eyes not only on the outside but also on the inside, beneath their wings, symbolising perfect vigilance and omniscience. (One of God’s names: ‘The One Who Sees’) which symbolises all-seeing and vigilance, reflecting God’s all-seeing and all-knowing nature. *The connection between the four living creatures (Ezekiel 1; Revelation 4) and the four evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) exists in various Christian tradition, but it is not taught explicitly in Scripture. It is a post‑biblical interpretation, not a biblical command or apostolic teaching. According to the beliefs of the early Christians, there is no such vision or connection.There's no venerated person in the apostolic culture - except the Christ.
In Revelation 4, the same four creatures again symbolize the highest excellence of creation —wild animals, domestic animals, birds, and mankind— worshipping before God.
We see four different faces: The first living creature resembles a lion, the second a calf, the third a man, and the fourth a flying eagle* (Rev 4:7). The multitude of eyes is remarkable: they are filled with complete eyes not only on the outside but also on the inside, beneath their wings, symbolising perfect vigilance and omniscience. (One of God’s names: ‘The One Who Sees’) which symbolises all-seeing and vigilance, reflecting God’s all-seeing and all-knowing nature. *The connection between the four living creatures (Ezekiel 1; Revelation 4) and the four evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) exists in various Christian tradition, but it is not taught explicitly in Scripture. It is a post‑biblical interpretation, not a biblical command or apostolic teaching. According to the beliefs of the early Christians, there is no such vision or connection.
In Revelation 4, the same four creatures again symbolize the highest excellence of creation —wild animals, domestic animals, birds, and mankind— worshipping before God.
Beings relate to God’s Throne
God's domain embraces countless other beings and lot of them — are humans. We have Biblical information about them, how they live, how they interact with heaven & earth.Every heavenly being —holy or evil— relates to God’s throne as the absolute center of authority. Some serve it, some worship before it, some rebel against it, and some are judged from it.
Let us first see the angels, based on the Bible. This info often has nothing to do with religious traditions. That's why we must understand their role and tasks.
Heavenly host — attendants of the throne
Daniel 7:9–10 — “Thousands upon thousands” serve before the Ancient of Days. They form the court around the throne, participating in divine governance.
1 Kings 22:19 — Micaiah sees the host standing on God’s right and left.
Messenger angels carry out decrees issued from the Throne. They are executive agents of the throne, carrying out and representing God’s will on earth. Examples:
Genesis 18–19 — Angels deliver judgment and salvation based on divine command.
Daniel 9:21–23 — Gabriel comes “in swift flight” with a message from God.
Exod 19:16-21 describes Gd's fearful presence when He descended on the Mount Sinai. Then ten commands were given to the nation.
"The Ten Commandments (recorded in both Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5). As the new milestone in the human history, these laws deal with the fundamental relationships and temptations of the common man, dividing our responsibilities into duties toward God and duties toward our fellow human beings." {based on David Guzik's commentary — Enduring Word}
Deuteronomy 34:5–6 — God Himself buries Moses. This unique act shows Moses’ special relationship with God’s presence.
• Satan — the accuser before the Throne. The Rebellious approaches the throne as an adversary, but remains under God’s authority.
Job 1:6–12; 2:1–6 — Satan appears among the heavenly beings and challenges Job’s integrity.
Zechariah 3:1–2 — Satan accuses Joshua the high priest; the LORD rebukes him.
• Demons, rebellious spirits other Beings — judged by the Throne. Warning!
Psalm 106:37 — Demons receive idolatrous offerings.
1 Kings 22:19–23 — A spirit volunteers to deceive Ahab; God permits it. These beings are subordinate to the throne’s authority, even in rebellion.
Genesis 6:1–4 — Heavenly beings cross into human domain.
Though not shown before the throne, their rebellion is judged by God’s decree (the Flood).
One thing is clear: they do not stand before the Throne unless God summons them.
We can see one particular case in the Old Testament when God's Man came out of the invisible and acts.
Samuel — summoned by divine authority
1 Samuel 28:11–19 — Samuel appears and speaks judgment from God.
This is not necromancy functioning; it is God overriding the medium, even in this appalling situation, Samuel represents God. King Saul’s final, desperate attempts lacked even the slightest trace of knowledge of God or fear of God. In his despair, he summons the prophet Samuel because God had already completely cut off all communication with him. Samuel is furious and the Heaven is fatally closed. In this exclus situation Samuel speaks on behalf of the Throne, even after death.
Psalm 16:10–11 — David expects fullness of joy “at your right hand.”
Psalm 73:23–26 — God “receives” the righteous afterward.
Let us see them: they are the The righteous dead — now in the end of the time they can be at God’s presence They are destined for the throne’s presence, and now they are active participants.
• The Twenty-Four Elders (Revelation 4:4, 5:8–10, 11:16)
Scholars widely views them as representatives of God's redeemed people—12 representing the Old Testament patriarchs (tribes of Israel) and 12 representing the New Testament apostles. They act as heavenly worship leaders who fall down before God, cast their crowns at His throne, and offer the prayers of the saints.
• The 144,000 Sealed Servants (Revelation 7:1–8, 14:1–5)
They are a specific group of 144,000 individuals—12,000 sealed from each of the twelve tribes of Israel.
They are described as faithful servants of God who bear His seal on their foreheads to protect them from coming judgment. They are highlighted as redeemed from the earth, blameless, and deeply devoted to following the Lamb (Jesus).
They stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion and before the Throne, singing a "new song" that only they are permitted to learn.
• The Great Multitude / The Tribulation Saints (Revelation 7:9–17)
A crowd so vast no one can count them, gathered from every nation, tribe, people, and language.
In the book an elder identifies them specifically for John:
Dressed in white robes and holding palm branches, they stand before the throne shouting praises of salvation, serving God day and night in His Temple.
Other Human souls also appear before God's presence at the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation 20:11–15, where the dead, small and great, stand before God to be judged according to their deeds.) They are not to be mistaken for the believers who have distinct "judgement" or rather "discernment" before the Bema Seat (see the full article)
Jesus' supernatural encounter
Finally, Jesus' life teaches us how the heaven and the supernatural spheres should be seen from human perspective.Whilst preparing, he met the devil, who came to tempt him in the wilderness. Matthew 4 gives report about the encounter and the result.
Jesus recounted numerous stories* to his disciples and to a wider audience about the relationship between Heaven and Earth, about the Kingdom of God. Parables and takes had been told during his mission. It is through these that we come to understand God’s work and the significance of His power and authority.
· Parable — Mashal
Rabbis used parables constantly in the Jewish society. Jesus’ parables (Good Samaritan, Prodigal Son, Sower) follow the same structure: Everyday scenarios, Moral or theological points, often surprising reversal.
(Lazarus and the rich man, the merciful Samaritan and characters like shepherd, king, vineyard owner)
This tales or short stories often described the atmosphere and dynamic of the Heaven, the controversial relationship between Earth and Gd's Kingdom and the behaviour of the creatures in certain situations.
Rabbis used parables constantly in the Jewish society. Jesus’ parables (Good Samaritan, Prodigal Son, Sower) follow the same structure: Everyday scenarios, Moral or theological points, often surprising reversal.
(Lazarus and the rich man, the merciful Samaritan and characters like shepherd, king, vineyard owner)
The New Testament meanwhile gives us real supernatural moments on the Earth also.
It is a well known scene in the Gospel when Moses and Elijah met with Jesus just before the climax of his suffering and his redemptive work (Mt 16:1-5) Jesus went through a transfiguration, showing a hint of the heaven's splendor and beauty. The heaven touched the earth and the closest disciples were the witnesses.
One of my favourite passages is found in Hebrews 11. This description is not merely a promise of heaven, but a marvellous
you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Heb 12:22-24
We’ll come back to this scene later. This festive gathering or mass, this timeless and marvellous community, is of immense significance and has very serious consequences for the world around us – and for the lives of those around us.
Heb 12:22-24
Pay attention to the text!
Whilst in Old Testament times this status was not accessible to the people — only the high priest was permitted to enter the Holy of Holies once a year, and even then only after rigorous preparation – the New Covenant begins immediately with the Temple curtain being torn in two from top to bottom and the dividing wall disappearing.
Its true significance and dynamism can be seen at the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles.
We were dead - now we are living beings, living priesthood living nation and living family. And, I think this is a good order here and has a great importance.
God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace.. in Christ Jesus.
Eph 2:4-8
Let’s see how the heavenly dynamism advances from the first days of the Church.
Eph 2:4-8
When Heaven touches the earth
(stir after stir)We saw what an upheaval there was in the spiritual world when Jesus arrived in body. When the Church "arrived", spiritually saying, the same stir happened.
I think this is where many Christians make the mistake of focusing on the miracles rather than on the words penned by Luke (in the book of Acts) that describe the relationship with God.
But what actually happens just before the breakthrough?
In short: preparations and re-aligning are under way in anticipation. When the Lord gave his agenda, he gave his direction to the men around Him:
you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Act 1:8
The only thing they actually did.. Act 1:8
when they had entered (Jerusalem), they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James.
All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Act 1:13-14
Act 1:13-14
Here, "The 12" had to be completed first. Luke’s text tells us that they chose between Barsabbas and Matthias – this was the last time they cast lots in the course of the story. And Matthias stepped in to fill the gap.
When the Heaven landed on the Earth
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God .”
And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
Act 2:1-13
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—
And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
Act 2:1-13
The Touch & its ripples
The disciples’ behaviour changed radically. The pace of events changed radically. The way the Gospel was preached changed radically.The disciples gained courage and eloquent tongue - despite the simple social background. Later this sole fact itself became a strong testimony for them. (Act 4:8-14)
The events spread and changed the society so fastly that the worldly and religious leadership could not keep the pace. Actually they didn't even understand the significance of the change. However, they did realise that their power had suddenly weakened and that the danger lay within the old system. As the changes in the society essentially threatened their everyday way of life, they began to feel quite seriously concerned.
From that days the Good News was preached through
In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
Holy Spirit.. the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:7-10.11-14
Do you see why Jesus gave this model? Ephesians 1:7-10.11-14
On the days of Pentecost the Life of the Heaven touched the earth; the prophecy of Joel (Joel 2:28-30) was fulfilled, and the constant prayer and thanksgiving only grew stronger in the background. The Message became flesh, (John 1:14) exactly like Jesus, turned into a tangible, hands-on experience, reality via the Mighty work of the Holy Spirit. Signs and wonders accompanied the message; it was not apologetics or conferences that sustained the focus. And that focus was the living God and His living and serving Son: Jesus Christ.
Our Servant King
Inorder to properly serve a king who is a servant, we must understand the motives and driving forces behind his service. We must be familiar with the engine of this dynamic.
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:6-10
Earlier I wrote an article about the brokenness and multiplication. As I wrote: We believers have fellowship with Him and with His brokenness too. Here we can see the same pattern or ‘rule’ which, as believers, we need not be afraid to follow. In this way, we can draw closer to Jesus, living fruitful lives. When we empty ourselves humbling ourselves we will get to the point where we can move no further. {the death point - the cross} And in this very point Jesus comes to us according to His Grace & mercy. We will survive - only by the Lord's grace. We will go on to the next mile, to the glory of God the Father. This is also throne building.
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:6-10
MEDITATION
"reverb then relay"
the 1st is the Holy Spirit's work in me
the 2nd is the holy Spirit's work around me
"reverb then relay"
the 1st is the Holy Spirit's work in me
the 2nd is the holy Spirit's work around me
1 -
2
HU