Here is the link to last week’s study of Revelation, “Soon”.
Something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal, was also before the throne.
Revelation 4:6 (ICB)
A sea of glass. What comes to mind? A bright, shiny sea surface? Smooth sailing with no white caps in sight?
The sea of glass in Revelation chapter 4 is a mystery for now. We know that any symbolism in the Bible is relevant. We don’t have to know why.
True believers just know by the help of the Spirit living in them that God’s Word is true, and every bit of it has a purpose.
But there are things that we can understand here and now. One thing we know is how the Bible is interconnected. Old and New Testament scripture is remarkably harmonious.
Here is what I have learned about the sea in Revelation, just by reading supporting scripture.
A sea is first mentioned in the Old Testament, but it’s not what you might think. It was actually a large bowl of water. Take a look.
…Then Solomon used melted bronze to make a large bowl, which was called the Sea…The bowl was 3 inches thick. Its rim was like the rim of a cup. It looked like a lily blossom. It could hold about 17,500 gallons.
2 Chronicles 4:2 & 5 (ICB)
Here is a link 2 Chronicles 4:1-6 to get an idea of this incredible Old Testament Sea. You can also read about this in Exodus 30:18-21.
The Old Testament sea was used for the priests to wash before they entered the temple to serve the Lord. They also used the sea to wash the animal sacrifice.
But Jesus’ sacrifice for us on Calvary removed the need for the Old Testament Sea.
Once we are in Heaven we will no longer depend on water as a life source either. Jesus reminded us that He is the Living Water.
Two stories come to mind as I have studied this week.
First, Jesus talks about Living Water in beautiful reminder of our salvation.
“But whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give will become a spring of water flowing inside him. It will give him eternal life.” John 4:14 (ICB)
John 4:1-42 (ICB)
The next reminder of Jesus’ grace is upon the raging sea of Galilee.
Mark 4:35-41
Peter stepped out in faith but fell when he looked away from Jesus. Jesus walked on the sea and rescued Peter, never losing His grip on him—Salvation.
Jesus calmed the rage of the water, but not until they were safely in the boat.
That may be the same for us. Our lives may be surrounded by angry seas, but Jesus will never lose us.
One day we will stand on the Sea in Heaven that is described in Revelation. We will join other believers and worship God standing on the crystal sea.
The next part of our study of this passage takes us to four living creatures. Each has 4 faces. Let’s look at this mysterious and awesome description from John.
There are heavenly creatures, possibly angels, but definitely servants that are constantly around the throne of God. The scripture is very plain. They are living beings who worship and serve God continuously. John uses comparative language here, but he is referring to how the real beings looked.
Four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back were around the throne on each side. The first living creature was like a lion; (Supremacy/authority of God)
the second living creature was like an ox; (Jesus who came in humility to serve God and offer salvation to mankind)
the third living creature had a face like a man; (the image of God, connection to God, intelligence)
the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. (Protection and provision for man. vision, and omnipresence of God)
Each of the four living creatures had six wings; they were covered with eyes around and inside. Day and night they never stop, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come.”
Revelation 4:6-8
One of the main things that we should all be aware of is the beauty of pure worship that is due our Creator.
Don’t be overwhelmed. Do your own Bible study. There are many trustworthy sources that can help. But always turn to your Bible first.
I want to close with this beautiful thought from John Lennox. Dr. Lennox was so moved during a sermon on Revelation 4 that the Holy Spirit prompted him to reflect on the infinite gift of eternal life and what each of us mean to God.
He then asked the congregation:
“What would you buy for God? Would you have bought me and given me to God as a present? That’s what Christ did for you and me…with all our sin. And He said, ‘God, here’s a gift for you.'”1
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
International Children’s Bible (ICB)
The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 
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