A Place of Peace: Revelation 4

For most people life is busy and only getting busier by the day. Days, weeks, months, and years pass as mere seconds; however, this speeding time is filled with lists of places to go, things to do, and to-do boxes to check. Daily we read a report or watch a news broadcast about an unfortunate or horrific event that has taken place somewhere around the world. In America, political battles rage between men and women who are really only out to promote themselves and their own agenda while millions of individuals across the world long for a decent meal to eat or a decent place to rest at night. Moreover, crime and corruption seem to be a never-ending road. In the midst of this crazy pace of life stand individuals who belong to Jesus Christ and, in no way, are they exempt from the craziness of this life. Daily ministry consists of ministering to believers who have lost jobs, who have family struggles, financial struggles, and medical struggles. The need for Christians and non-Christians is for a fresh focus on life. Struggling people need a focus that provides some peace in the midst of life, no matter how crazy it can be sometimes.

 

In Revelation 4, the Apostle John recorded his vision of the throne room of God. If nothing else, from this vision one can look ahead and know that a day is coming when all will be right with the world and the one who accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will experience the unhindered presence of God the Father. As John was caught up in the Spirit, he described the throne room of God as a place of vivid wonder; a place characterized by colors only describable with the names of the finest jewels, by the sights and sounds of lightning and thunder, and by the unceasing praise of God Almighty. Imagine for a moment the holiness and awe-inspiring sight before John's eyes. He was transported into the dwelling place of God which has existed for forever past and will exist for forever future. He experienced the joy of seeing heaven as it actually is—the dwelling place of God. Human words do not begin to touch the holiness, the awe, and the wonder of a place free from sin and its consequences. However, John's experience does offer hope and peace to us today.

For the believer in Jesus Christ, John's account gives the peace of mind that regardless of what happens on this earth a time is coming where the believer will enter into a place of peace, rest, beauty, holiness, and eternal worship. The believer will enter into a realm where there is not the slightest amount of evil and sin; a place where pain and struggles do not exist as a thought, much less a reality. On earth, there exist the painful realities of job loss, struggles in family or finances, and the ever-growing reaches of evil in the form of ISIS, the abortion and selling of babies, and flood of homosexual filth. However, in heaven, the existence of these realities gives way to the pure and unfiltered presence of God Almighty who spoke the world into existence and who holds the continuation of its existence in the palm of His hand. Therefore, let believers long for and pray for the day when he or she will enter that holy rest. When the struggles and evils of life seem to be taking over, remember God is still sitting on His throne and a day is coming when you will finally enter into His presence for all of eternity.

Prayerfully I hope you have recognized the exclusive nature in which I have addressed admittance into the holy presence of God. According to John 3:16, admittance into this eternal life, as opposed to an eternal perishing, is based upon the belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Moreover, Romans 10:9 declares that salvation comes only through belief in and confession of Jesus Christ as Lord. Therefore, the hope is that a non-believer in Jesus Christ will recognize that apart from a saving relationship with Jesus Christ there is no hope of entering into the eternal rest associated with the presence of God Almighty. Thus, all the peace, hope, and future joy that sustain the Christian in times of struggle talked about above mean nothing; it's inapplicable. The promise of heaven only applies to those who have accepted Jesus Christ, but if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you have that ability. Confess Jesus as Lord and believe God raised him from the dead to offer a way for sinful humanity to be restored to holy God.

James Christopher Powell has served as assistant minister in Northwest Florida for ten years. 
He studies at The Baptist College of Florida where he is working on a Master's degree in Christians Studies.
He married his wife Jennifer in March 2014.