Some chapters of the Bible blow your mind. I think Revelation 4 is one of them. Please take 2-3 minutes right now, and read it out loud. Imagine you are the apostle John, the one whom Jesus loved. Imagine Jesus chose you, and only you to reveal this awesome scene to.
No, really. Stop reading this little devotional. Turn to Revelation 4. Marvel at the Throne room of Heaven. Allow 11 verses to blow your mind.
Fifteen years ago a book was published called Heaven is for Real. It told the astounding story of 4 year old Colton, a Nebraska boy who’s life was nearly cut short by a misdiagnosed ruptured appendix. During surgery, little Colton lost consciousness but got a glimpse of something incredible, something a bit similar to what was revealed to John in Revelation 4.
Shortly after reading that book, I learned my mother was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Difficult news…and I knew difficult years were to come. But Colton’s story ignited hope and joy in me and it altered the lens through which I viewed the coming trial. “This world is not my home. I’m just a passing through.” Jesus is real, Heaven is real, and it’s all so much better than I can possibly imagine.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
That blows my mind. What is unseen is eternal. What John saw is for real and is forever. Brothers and sisters, may we face today’s circumstances knowing without a doubt that Heaven is for real. As we grow older and older and our bodies, unfortunately, continue “wasting away”, may our hearts and spirits and hope for the next life grow more encouraged, more excited. The glory of that heavenly throne room, with the mesmerizing colors, the wild and wonderful worshipping creatures, the golden crowns, the blazing lampstands, the thunder peals and lightning flashes are all REAL. And at the center of it all, the Lord God Almighty awaits to embrace those of us who stand firm to the end.
Fix your eyes not on what is earthly, temporary and of the kingdoms of this present world. Fix your eyes on the unseen heaven, on victory in Jesus, and the promise of eternity with him.
Donielle Winter
EFCC Member