- 7 the first living creature like a lion,
- the second living creature like an ox,
- the third living creature with a face like a human,
- and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle.
Devotional
Now we get to “the good stuff.” All those visions and things of Revelation.
Imagine being with a group of friends who conversed mostly by movie references and quotes from their favorite television shows—and you’ve never seen any of those movies or shows. That’s kinda what reading Revelation is like if we haven’t memorized the Old Testament or been living in the Roman Empire.
On the other hand, the grand arc of Revelation is fairly easy to grasp. We’re getting a heavenly perspective on earthly things. While we may or may not be able to grasp every jot and tittle of the details (who are the 24 elders? What does each gem stone represent?), we get the big idea.
If you want to feel like you’re reading the same thing twice, go read Ezekiel 1 and compare it with Revelation 4. A throne of gemstones, weird animal-like angel-creatures. It’s all there. John is portraying heaven like the Jewish temple for Yahweh—but wilder and more incredible.
Again, this is all dramatically anti-empire/emperor language. Domitian, the emperor when Revelation was written, demanded to be venerated as “lord and god.” And then note verse 11, “You are worthy, our Lord and God” to receive all the things that Domitian demanded for himself.