Today, Saturday March 19
The Open Door in Heaven Revelation 4:1-4 “After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.”
Today, I want us to remember that the Apostle John was on the Isle of Patmos in exile! The Roman government had tried unsuccessfully to kill him. So now they put him on this prison island to get rid of him! But my friend, you cannot get rid of God’s servants! God had a marvelous plan and purpose for this difficult time in John’s life. He wanted him to give us the last book of the Bible, the Revelation of Jesus Christ!
After John saw the vision of the glorified Lord Jesus Christ in chapter one, he is told to write the letters to the seven churches in Asia who needed to be encouraged and informed about things to come. (Revelation 2-3) Chapter four begins with John seeing a “door open in heaven”. We have already shared how we believe that this represents the church being rapture, thus ending the church age.
Years ago I heard someone say that the Scripture has only one interpretation but that it has many applications! And generally the Scripture literally means what it says and doesn’t even need an interpretation. Today, I felt impressed to make an application about this open door! John is exiled away from his church fellowship, from his family and his friends, and the doors of ministry might be shut for him on earth, but the door of heaven is open to him.
My friend it might appear to you that the resources of your family and friends and earthly possessions have been shut off to you but I want you to know that heaven’s resources are always available to you through prayer! Notice how John experienced this “open door in heaven.” He was “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s Day! He was worshipping the Lord despite his terrible situation!
What a great lesson for us to learn! We can experience the doors of heaven’s resources, heaven’s provisions, and heaven’s power open to us even in our difficult times here on earth if only we have faith and have the upward look. We have the wonderful privilege, and actually the responsibility, of connection the blessings and resources of heaven to any and every situation and person here on earth through intercessory prayer!
When we by faith see Almighty God seated on His throne in heaven, and are reminded of His power and provisions, we should be encouraged and motivated to worship and pray down heaven to earth! There is nothing too hard for our Lord!
Remember one of the first things that John saw was a rainbow around the throne which speaks of God’s covenant promises that He has made with His people! And God is always faithful to keep His Word and fulfill every promise He has ever made! Through prayer we can claim these resources today!
May the Lord help us today to look up, to worship, and have our eyes open to the “open door in heaven.”
God bless!
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