Unexpectedly, John found himself summoned to appear before the majestic throne of the King of the universe. Like a preview of coming attractions, he received a glimpse of what will be happening in heaven while the Tribulation unfolds on earth. His vision is recorded in Revelation 4.

John was at a loss to describe the great beauty he witnessed—the magnificent glory of God. All he could do was try to compare it to earth's most precious treasures, rare jewels and gemstones.

An emerald rainbow surrounded the throne, but unlike the arcs we're familiar with, this rainbow was a full circle—a reminder that all things are complete in heaven. Rainbows also remind us of God's faithfulness that spans from the earliest days of Noah and the patriarchs to the end of days. Just as God rescued Noah and his family from worldwide disaster, He will rescue His Church through the Rapture.

In Revelation 4:4, John described twenty–four elders dressed in white, crowned in gold, and seated on their own thrones. These saints probably represent the Church before the throne of God.

John said, "From the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices" (4:5). When the Lord gave Israel the Law, His presence was accompanied by lightning, thunder, and a voice from heaven (Exodus 20:18). Today, because of Jesus, the throne of judgment has become the throne of grace for believers (Hebrews 4:16).

John also described a "sea of glass, like crystal" surrounding God's throne (Revelation 4:6). And around the throne were four living creatures—the same ones Ezekiel saw in his vision of heaven (Ezekiel 1:5–14). These are the angels who will execute judgment on the earth. They also lead worship in heaven.

In the midst of the thunder and lightning and voices, the angels burst forth with shouts of praise: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come" (Revelation 4:8).

The elders were overcome with awe, reverence, and adoration in the presence of God. They fell down in worship, casting their crowns before His throne.

When we arrive in heaven, we will want nothing more than to bless God and give Him all that we are, all that we have. Of course, all we'll have to give Him will be the things He has given us—our "crowns," our rewards. We will joyfully offer them to Him, saying, "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created" (4:11).

In heaven, the Church will experience an intimacy in worship that the angels can't know. It's something only those who have been rescued and redeemed can understand. We were lost and now we are found. We've been forgiven and set free.

We'll worship more fully in heaven, but we can begin to express our gratitude now.

Holy Lord, I worship You today for all that You are and all that You have done! You alone are worthy of all my praise!