BEHOLD My Servant. 2. Mt. 12:17- Jesus warns: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: (Isa. 42)

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1 BEHOLD My Servant David Futrell Have you seen Jesus, the Eternal King who became human flesh and blood and who now sits on His throne in Heaven and now longs to return for His beautiful Bride who is on the Earth? Have you seen Him? Have you felt the burnings and longings of His heart? Isaiah 42 gives a clear picture of Jesus 1 st Coming andhis2nd Coming. Do you know that everything that separates you from Him, He is going to remove it? Have you seen Him? Isaiah 42:1-4 Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. 2 He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. 4 He will not fail nor be discouraged, till He has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands shall wait for His law. I. BEHOLD A. Isaiah 42:1 Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights... B. Behold- This is a call to perceive through sight or apprehension; to gaze upon or to observe. The command to Behold the Christ is also a promise to have the ability to rightly perceive Him by Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:17). C. This is body-language is alluding to the custom of kings leaning on the arm of their most beloved and faithful servant. The Eternal Father leans in love and favor on His most-precious Eternal Son. God-the- Father is communicating to us who & what He has chosen to set His affections and authority on. D. The call from Heaven to our generation is to Behold My Son! The Father says, Do you see what I see in Him? He s the picture of beauty and strength; tenderness in judgment. E. God releases a call for men to Behold. 1. Mt. 3:17- And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 2. Mt. 12:17- Jesus warns: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: (Isa. 42) F. Man releases a call to Behold. 1. John 1:29- The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 2. You & Me G. We have all been designed with a desire to pursue fascination. God has put it within the DNA of all of humanity. It has even been written into the framework of America: Life, Liberty, & the pursuit of Happiness. H. In his Essay Concerning Human Understanding that "the highest perfection of intellectual nature lies in a careful and constant pursuit of true and solid happiness". (John Locke) P a g e 1

2 I. Psalm 27:4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. J. 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. K. This is the beholding and becoming process. Jesus also says in Mt. 5:8 that as we are purified we gain an increase in the revelation of Jesus. Purity begets revelation and revelation increases purity. L. David was awakened to holy fascination in his generation and spent his days pursuing it and fighting for it, while waging war on all of the unholy pursuits. David won the war for his soul, not because he was perfect, but because he was honest enough to be zealous in repentance and continue pursuing holiness. M. There is a pursuit in the heart of humanity, from the past, to the present, and forever into the future for holy fascination. Satan is more aware of this desire than we are and is perverting it through everything we can set our eyes on. We clamor for the latest, shiniest, fastest, smallest, largest, loudest, N. We are defined by whatever we love. And if we love anything more than God before Him we will be defined by something less than God. (T.M. Moore- Colson Ministries) O. The thing that moves the Father s heart the greatest is for humanity to see the beauty of His Son, Jesus. The ministry and prophecies of Isaiah are a revelation of Jesus the Christ like none other. II. MY SERVANT A. Isaiah 42:1 Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. B. My Servant- This phrase refers specifically the Perfect Servant, who is Christ and also anyone who acknowledges or worships God; anyone who is regarded as serving or obeying him. C. What a contradiction! What heresy! What is the Father of Heaven thinking? He reveals the One in whom His soul delights as His Son and as His Servant. How could this be? The sinless King of eternity would become the suffering servant of sinful humanity. D. Isaiah 53 describes this suffering servant in details; bruised wounded oppressed because of our sins It pleased the Father to bruise Him. This is the wisdom of God! Now He declares to all generations, Look at my Son! He came to live, die & suffer, and be raised in victory over sin & death, and then marry a Bride into eternity. E. Philippians 2:8-9 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, F. This was the great plan of Heaven devised in eternity s past from the board room of God the Father- Son-Holy Spirit. The God in 3 Persons would declare His eternal covenant to a people He would create that He would become like them and provide every resource needed to dwell with Him in P a g e 2

3 eternity. The Father declared the Plan! The Son fulfilled the plan! The Holy Spirit multiplied and distributed the plan! G. Whom I Uphold- The One whom I sustain & protect; I have placed My hand on the object of My affection. H. We can find great comfort and promise in this truth. Jesus is the Great Servant, yet we are also grafted into the servant-hood of Jesus. As the Father watched over His Son to fulfill the plan of eternal salvation for all, so too He will watch over us to fulfill all that He calls us to in our generation. I. Isaiah 66:2 But on this one will I look (Set my affections & attention): On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word. BEHOLD: A Door, A Throne, A Man Image the imagery. Imagine the burning heart of the Father who is revealing truths about Himself and about his dwelling place with all of humanity. He specifically reveals key things about Himself because these are the things He desires us to know about Himself. How vast is the knowledge and the Kingdom of God? How exhilarating is the throne room of God; where he sits, rests, and governs all of created order? Our imaginations don't have the capacity to go in the entire vast ocean of the knowledge. Yet, God has chosen to give us access to the entry point of His own resting place and work place. Revelation 4:1-3 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. 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 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. Imagine John's encounter and how he must have been set to souring in his spirit in the midst of the most painful seasons of his life as well as one of the most persecuted seasons of history for God-fearing people. John is in prison experiencing attempts by the Roman military to kill him. In this season, John is being escorted personally into the eternal throne room of Heaven where his beloved Master, Messiah, and risen and ascended King now dwells. What confidence He must be gaining as he realizes, "If this is the worst that this life can bring and I'm being overcome with eternal delight of just the privilege of accessing the eternal throne, I'm more than okay." God is not just revealing His works in this book but also His Personhood. In the same way, we are not to be defined only by our works but also by our personhood in Jesus the Christ. We must understand who we are before we can be effective in what we attempt to do. In the same manner, we must understand who Christ is before we will have the understanding of what is doing now and preparing to do in the days to come before His return. P a g e 3

4 I. BEHOLD A DOOR II. David Futrell A. Revelation 4:1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard saying, Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this. B. John is taken up or escorted by Holy Spirit to meet with the Father and Son of Heaven and Earth. The first thing John is shown is an open door. C. Holy Spirit says, Behold, the door is open, John! John is given the ability to look up into heaven and see the door out of reach. John is shown heaven and hears the voice of Jesus speaking to him. D. John 6:44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. E. It is interesting to me that John doesn't see a picture or even a window which would lend him to but a glimpse of God and the Father just out of reach of His grasp and short of His personal interaction. No! John sees a DOOR and the Door is OPEN! "Open for business!" More than a sign on the door but the door itself is open to all who would desire to enter and gaze, behold, encounter, feel, hear, see, taste, smell. F. It is hard to imagine how much God loves us. He dreamed of us, created us, pursued us in our sin and weakness, and died to win us back, while forever taking the form of Human flesh as His identity. Immortal and Eternal God is now weak human flesh. How humbling! G. John hears the voice of Jesus, the King, beckoning him from Heaven to draw near to His throne saying, Come up here, and I will show you things. This voice was familiar, bold, and clear; like a trumpet. There are parallels in this invitation, similar to Mt. 24:3 when the disciples asked Jesus, What will be the sign of your coming? H. It was a common Jewish custom in those days for the priests to sound their trumpets to announce they had opened the doors to the temple. At which time the Levites and other priests would report to their temple duties. I. This open door is also spoken of to the Church in Philadelphia. God declares to His weak but faithful servants about their inheritance; nearness to God. This is now what John is personally invited into in Rev. 4:1. Some would say, Oh, if I could see what John saw. To the one who must go through what John went through they also will be given opportunity to see what John saw! J. Amos 3:7- Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. K. We have many references in scripture when God comes down to meet with His people and when his people go up to meet with God. There is an eternal plan in His heart and He desires to share it with us. The open door is proof that He is not out of reach or unapproachable. The open door is a literal door in heaven while it is also a symbolic reflection of Jesus restoring what was cut off from in the Garden of Eden. L. Genesis 3:24- So He drove out (forceful separation) the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life. M. Some would ask the question, "What is Jesus doing in the Church today, especially in America?" I would respond to that by saying, "He is trying to make room for Himself in the heart of His Church as He is preparing for his return to Earth to make His home here". We are not going up but He is coming down! BEHOLD A THRONE A. Revelation 4:2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. B. The first thing that John sees on the other side of the open door is the throne of Jesus. It is the centerpoint of the throne room. All eyes, ears, and hearts are set on this throne. P a g e 4

5 C. John is jailed, separated from family and friends, being whipped and tortured, and clinging to the only thing that cannot be taken away from him; his personal history with Jesus. John the Beloved, who is seen as one of the most-closely connected with Jesus in His ministry is also the one who receives the most profound prophetic message. D. Wherever God s throne is established, there He rules and releases His power and authority. This is why we desire to establish 24/7 intercession and worship in Miami; that God s throne might be established. E. The power of intercession is the fruit of intimacy. There s no difference between the two. (Corey Russell) F. The throne of Jesus reveals and speaks to us of His leadership and authority. In order to embrace the Bridegroom we must also accept the King and Judge. Again, Holy Spirit speaks to John to Behold the Throne. a. What- This is the throne of Jesus the Risen Messiah. It can t be the Father s Throne because His throne is unapproachable and veiled as His Son stands between the Father and the rest of Creation. b. Ps. 104:1-2- You are clothed w/ honor and majesty covering Yourself with light as w/ a garment c. 1 Tim. 6:16- dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see d. Why- If the greatest crisis ever experienced in human history is soon to cover the earth the Bride of Christ must first be equipped by encountering the most beautiful God who can be trusted as a wise and safe leader. If John who is only the recipient of this prophetic message must be strengthened by direct revelation of Jesus, how much more the end-time church who fulfills this prophetic message. e. Where- The throne of God the Father and His Son, Jesus are currently set in heaven. When Jesus returns to the planet, He will set His throne in Jerusalem. After the 1000 of restoration, the Father will merge Heaven & Earth together and place His throne on the Earth as well. f. When- John was given access immediately by the Holy Spirit as he was already in fellowship with Him. It is the joy of Holy Spirit to reveal the beauty of Jesus to the human heart. It s His favorite job and what He is best at doing. He is the great prophet in all of Creation. g. John 16: when the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears h. 1 Cor. 2: The things God has prepared for those who love Him 10 has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. i. Who- He is the Eternal King over all Kings; Son of God; Son of Man; Risen & Slain Lamb of God; Bridegroom, King, Judge; General of Heaven s Armies; The Almighty; etc. G. Set- This Throne of Jesus is set in heaven and One sat on the throne. There is much to be said about this revelation. The Father has set the throne in its place. Before the Son of God came to Earth as a man He sat on His throne. This throne is eternal as Jesus leadership will be eternal. Today, He still sits on His throne. Now He sits as fully God AND fully man. A man sits at the right hand of God the Father. Wow! H. All that scripture describes around God s Throne is for the purpose of revealing God s beauty and releasing God s power. God s throne is the starting point for all of life and creation. I. Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. J. In Heaven- The eyes of this beautiful Bridegroom, King, and Judge sees all and knows all as He has the clearest and fullest picture of His creation from Heaven. P a g e 5

6 III. BEHOLD A MAN David Futrell A. Revelation 4:2-3 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 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. B. Where are you in a hurry to go? Seriously! Why do you work, strive, save, achieve, etc.? We are all heading in the same direction. All of our destinations are ultimately Jesus. He is approachable and accessible today. Jesus is on His throne filled with desire as an all-consuming fire that not only radiates with Him, but also exudes from His Person like a river flowing from His throne. His desire is overflowing. You are the one He desires and burns for with holy jealous desire. This desire is what fuels His heart for unending intercession; Father, I desire that they would be with me C. God dwells in light that no one can approach. This lesser light is described as a garment and functions to protect His creation from His full radiance. At strategic moments, the light that covers God s person is temporarily lifted and the Seraphim gaze on Him and fall before Him overwhelmed. D. The greater the agreement, the closer the approach! a. Ps. 24:3-4 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. b. Mt. 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. c. Heb. 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: E. It is the mercy of God to hide Himself from us. Without a proper preparation of applying the mercy and sacrifice of Jesus to our hearts we are deserving of judgment before this Holy God. F. Romans 13:12;14 let us put on the armor of light 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. G. John 17:25-26 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name (revealed Your personality), and will declare it (continue to reveal), that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them. H. We see Jesus ability to release and reveal differing levels of His glory to us. In John 20 & 21 Jesus walks around Jerusalem for 40 days in His glorified body revealing that He was now alive. Jesus even walks on the road to Emmaus with 2 disciples teaching them about Himself and they never even recognize Him until later. Could it be that Jesus is the very Garment of Light that covers the fullness of the Father s light? I. Psalm 104:2 You (God)...cover Yourself with light as with a garment... J. It is the gift of the Father to His Son to reveal Him to the hearts of humanity and the glory of the Sn to reveal the Father and the glory of Holy Spirit to give attention to the Son. The glory of God is when God reveals God to the human heart! K. Revelation 1:1 This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. (NLT) L. We can be confident that John was encountering Jesus, the Magnificent King in all of His glory and then later recording what he saw. He is not watching, observing, and then journaling as a painter sitting in a scene of nature painting what he sees and experiences. He is overwhelmed to the point of death. M. Revelation 1:17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. N. John probably had to recover after seeing Jesus, receiving His direct touch, and then processing exactly what He had seen. THEN the writing began. P a g e 6

7 O. Descriptions of Jesus in Revelation 1: 1. Jesus is the First and the Last: Humanity. He is the first to be raised from the dead and the first in authority (Col. 1:15, 18; Rev. 5:12). This is the title Jesus used most in Revelation (Rev. 1:11, 17; 2:8; 22:13). He spoke it in context to His death and resurrection calling us to resist fear in the midst of persecution and martyrdom. Revelation 2:8-10 These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer be faithful until death. Colossians 1:15-18 He is the firstborn over all creation 18 He is the head of the body who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 2. Alpha and Omega: Deity with absolute completeness in wisdom and love. The Greek alphabet started with alpha and ended with omega. The common phrase Alpha and Omega means the first and last letters including all the letters in between to indicate completeness. This title sets forth Jesus as the sovereign Lord over everything that takes place in the entire course of history. Jesus established an eternal plan for us in which nothing is missing. His Bride has all the elements necessary for eternal love, joy, peace, and fascination without sin yet retaining a free will. The government is right, the human dynamics are right, eternal rewards are right in varying measure according to love yet there is no jealousy but only gratitude in God s partnership with people forever. 3. Voice like a trumpet: A witness who faithfully warns the people of coming judgment. He is the Faithful and True Witness telling us the truth (Rev. 1:5; 3:14). Ezekiel 33:6 If the watchman sees the sword (judgment) coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned (their) blood I will require at the watchman's hand. 4. Son of Man: the God-Man who rules all nations as the King of kings seen in Dan. 7: Daniel 7:13-14 Behold, One like the Son of Man came to the Ancient of Days 14 Then to Him was given dominion that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away 5. Garment down to His feet: By wearing the robe of the High Priest, Jesus shows Himself as the sympathetic High Priest who made a way for us to live in God s presence. Hebrews 10:19-22 Having boldness to enter the Holiest 20 by a new and living way through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest 22 let us draw near Hebrews 4:14-16 We have a great High Priest Jesus the Son of God 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 6. Girded about the chest with a golden band: breastplate of the high priest (Ex. 25:7; Lev. 16:4). P a g e 7

8 Jesus wears or carries the nations (12 tribes of Israel) near to His heart. David Futrell 7. Head and hair white like wool, as white as snow: Ancient of Days has white hair (Dan 7:9). Jesus eternal preexistence with pure and perfect wisdom and dignity (Lev 19:32; Prov 16:31). Daniel 7:9 The Ancient of Days was seated the hair of His head was like pure wool. 8. Holding the 7 stars in His right hand: Jesus holds the seven stars (apostolic/regional church leaders) as His promise to anoint, direct and protect them. He is tender towards us even when we feel inadequate or like a failure. Jesus holds His leaders as He helps us to do that which He entrusts to us. 9. Walks in the midst of the 7 golden lampstands: Manifest power with consequences because of His goodness and holiness. He walks in the midst of the candlesticks (church; Rev. 1:20) in His deep involvement with us. He walks with us aware of our needs, frailty and pressures. Exodus 33:3 God says, I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way 10. Eyes like a flame of fire: His knowledge searches and penetrates all things as fire penetrates metal. He is fully God with eyes like fire to impart holy love and remove all that hinders love. He has eyes of love and zeal for His people as a Bridegroom. He imparts love and holiness. His love consumes everything! Revelation 2:18-23 The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass 20 I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality 21 I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. 11. Feet like fine brass: Judgment of sin. His feet are like fine brass that judges all His enemies. His commitment is as a mighty warrior to trample over Jezebel in victory. He will bring all His enemies under His feet (Ps. 110; Isa. 63). 12. Voice as the sound of many waters: powerful as in Gen. 1 and directs the armies of heaven; the fullness of sound is portrayed in His voice. Joel 2:11 The LORD gives voice before His army, For His camp is very great 13. Sharp two-edged sword coming out of His mouth: Releases the Holy Spirit and judgment. He has zeal to fight for us against all that opposes us with the sword of His mouth. The breath of Jesus mouth is another way of expressing the power of His words. Ephesians 6:17 The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God Revelation 19:15 Out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. P a g e 8

9 14. He who lives: He came back to life. He has power over death and gives eternal life. He was dead and came to life after He experienced the suffering of a cruel death. He understands our humanity and suffering and possesses power over death knowing the way to victory. Our view of death is different from Jesus because He is rooted in eternity. 15. Countenance like the sun: This light exhilarates His Church and is a weapon against His enemies since it is impossible to look directly into the sun. He is the Morning Star that fills us with brightness. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 Then the lawless one (Antichrist) will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 16. Keys of the kingdom: Authority over Hades and Death and key of David to establish the Kingdom. He has the key of David to open and shut all necessary doors. J. The Kingdom of heaven is being established wherever the revelation of Jesus Christ is being sought and released. God s government rests in the midst of a people of agreement; intercession and worship. K. Isaiah 22:22 The key of the house of David, I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; And he shall shut, and no one shall open. The Man On the Throne: A Closer Look Revelation 4:1-6 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. 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 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. 4 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. 5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. There is so much rich imagery and detailed revelation that God is revealing to us from Revelation 4 that we are left overwhelmed. The tendency and temptation is to feel overwhelmed with all of the information that we write it off as incomprehensible. Many believers in Jesus by default just leave the entire Book of Revelation to the scholars thinking it too difficult to know. It is like a young adult saying, Well, this relationship stuff is too complicated so I ll just choose to not get overcommitted in one. I can t figure out what He/She is thinking, feeling, or even wanting from me. I ll take what I need and keep moving on. How many of us treat God this way? The Book of Revelation and especially chapter 4 is an unfolding of what God looks like, feels like, thinks like, and acts like, IN PARTNERSHIP with humans. P a g e 9

10 I. WHAT JESUS LOOKS LIKE David Futrell A. Revelation 4:3 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. B. N.T. - John walked with Jesus and talked with Jesus for nearly 3 years. John is described as the one who knew Jesus most intimately, outside of Jesus family. He was acquainted with Jesus compassion and passion for humanity. C. John 19:26-27 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He (Jesus) loved standing by, He said to His mother, Woman, behold your son! 27 Then He said to the disciple, Behold your mother! And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. D. In the O.T., David was one who pursued to know God intimately. He was after(searching for) God s heart. E. Psalm 27:4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. F. There were no other people in human history who could move God s heart like these two. They were God s favorites. In the same manner, YOU are God s favorite. I am God s favorite. Our Father who was moved deeply with the delight and eternal pleasure created you to know Him and to reveal Himself to you. You are created unique like no one else. G. We search for perfection of Beauty because we were created in the image and likeness of God. God searches for beauty! What does God see in you that you have yet to see? He sees not just who you are today, but also who you will be into eternity. This is the joy set before Him! He looks at you with deep longing and desire to bring you into your eternal destiny. H. Job 7:20 Have I sinned? What have I done to You, O watcher of men? Why have You set me as Your target, so that I am a burden to myself? I. He is the God who watches the hearts and souls of mankind. He hides from us, but only in plain sight. God reveals Himself to those who will spend the time to sit with Him and talk, listen, watch, and ask questions. He desires more than a 140 character quote or a quick to reveal His plans to us. He longs to walk with us in the cool of the garden. J. John sees Jesus and begins to search for the words to describe this revelation. He must have thought many times, I thought I knew Him. K. Jasper Stone- This is a precious stone in John s day that was known to be red or yellow in color. Sometimes the stones were spotted or striped and with a high polished finish. The kings and officials of that day would wear this particular red color in their royal garments. John is possibly seeing Jesus wearing His bright scarlet priestly and kingly robe. L. Sardius Stone- This is a precious stone of a blood-red, or sometimes of a flesh-color. John is communicating a similar description to the Jasper stone. P a g e 10

11 M. John is describing this Man Jesus Christ who is sitting enthroned with a bright vibrant King and Priest who is incomprehensibly beautiful. His countenance is exuding salvation, royalty, and faithfulness in His character and leadership. N. Rainbow Around the Throne- John sees this rainbow reflection of color circling around God s throne. The rainbow is also accentuating the color emerald/green tint. God s message to John and to all of those who draw near to God is that He is full of mercy and love. Even in the midst of the lightenings, thunderings, and voices God is constant in His peace and mercy toward those who love Him. He is God-the-Judge and God-the-Bridegroom all at the same time. II. WHAT JESUS SURROUNDS HIMSELF WITH A. Revelation 4:6 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. 5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. B. There is no Hollywood Movie Director who could fully capture or communicate this grand drama around God s throne. The Genesis 1 God, who is also the Carpenter of Nazareth, who holds all of Creation in order according to His spoken Words also did the interior decoration for this Heavenly Throne Room. C. God became man and then was reunited to His Heavenly Father at His right hand. Only this time, He sat there in human flesh. If that wasn t enough of a shock, He then organized His Throne Room to have 24 lesser thrones around Him and the Father that would be lesser leaders of other humans co-leading with Him. Can you imagine the gasps of the angels and the living creatures? D. 24 Thrones & Elders Seated Around God s Throne- We see the desire of Jesus to not only draw us near His throne for worship but also for leadership and service. They are seated meaning that this is permanent. It also speaks of the Father and Son s desire to declare their heart for celebrating humanity as the center of all of their created order. When the rest of Creation looks at the Father, Son, Holy Spirit they also see humanity as nearest to their heart and purpose to bring leadership to all of creation. E. Clothed in White Robes- The white robes speak of the works of obedience and righteousness from these 24 Elders in the previous age. All of their deeds were recorded, rewarded, and now eternally declared and celebrated by the Father. These 24 Leaders represent the whole Church as having overcome and now standing victorious. F. Crowns of Gold- These crowns reflect and represent various rewards and responsibilities given. Each crown probably reflects the individual works and life, just as the white robes probably have varying degrees of white with possibly other marks or awards decorating their garment. These crowns probably have various stones, words written on them, and sizes. The thought of seeing only 1 or 2 colors surrounding God s throne reflects our limited holy imagination and limited revelation of the Creator of ALL Things! G. Revelation 3:4-5 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white (purity), for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, P a g e 11

12 and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. H. Jesus gives the promise that He will tell all the stories of our obedience and love from this life to the Father and to the Angels in Heaven. This will be glorious and will bring great joy to our hearts. If it gives us joy to have someone speak positively about us in this life, how much in eternity by our Creator God and the Bridegroom King? I. It is important to note that there are no Angels spoken of yet around God s throne until Rev. 5. This should cause us to reflect on the high value that Jesus places on His Bride. J. Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels has He ever said: Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? P a g e 12

13 Jesus: The Man of Fire David Futrell Revelation 4:1-6 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. 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 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. 4 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. 5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. There is a great deal to discover what it is that the Father releases and sends out from His throne. He is the Father who is always giving, revealing, and extending His emotions and His resources to the ones who ask. This is the astounding beauty of intercession. This is the eternal fellowship of the Infinite God and the Finite Man. The God of Heaven is the Creator and sustainer of all of humanity. I. EYES OF FIRE A. Revelation 1:12-14 Then I (John) turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; B. Daniel 10:4-6 Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris, 5 I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude. C. There is something burning in the heart of Jesus which reflects the burning in His eyes. If the eyes are the windows into the soul what burns in the soul of the Son of God & Son of Man that His eyes are filled with fire-life? D. Matthew 6:22 The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is 7 good, your whole body will be full of light. E. What we set our eyes on will fuel the emotions of our heart. It s that simple! There is a spiritual battle for the soul of the Church of Jesus Christ. Most of the time we stop short in the battle for our hearts by standing in a defensive position. There is a greater resource available that will actually enable us to engage the heart offensively by fueling our hearts with the light and beauty of Jesus Christ. F. Jesus is setting His eyes on you and me and we move His heart deeply, causing His eyes to radiate with Love. It s an endless fueling and filling, especially when we respond by to Him in love. P a g e 13

14 G. RESEARCH from the U.K. The eyes really are a window to the soul, according to scientists. Patterns in the iris can give an indication of whether we are warm and trusting or neurotic and impulsive, research has found. H. Luke 6:45 For out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks. (NKJV) I. Luke 6:45 What you say flows from what is in your heart. (NLT) J. What does Jesus say about you and me? What does He declare to the Father about you and me? What has He spent in order to win our love to Himself? Some imagine the extravagant offering of Mary s perfume being extreme and others a waste. Mary poured out her inheritance on Jesus. What about Jesus offering of poured out inheritance on all of humanity communicate; His royal blood for the sins of the world? Again I ask, what does He see in you and me? K. Song of Song 4:9 You have ravished my heart, My sister, my spouse; You have ravished my heart with one look of your eyes, With one link of your necklace. L. Song of Song 4:9 You have captured my heart, my treasure, * my bride. You hold it hostage with one glance of your eyes, with a single jewel of your necklace. M. This same fire of love in Jesus heart is the fire of justice. There is no difference in His heart. His heart of love will be what catapults Him from Heaven to the Earth to violently remove everything that has violently blocked His love from being established across the earth. He will win! II. THRONE OF FIRE A. Revelation 4:2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. B. The first thing that John sees on the other side of the open door is the throne of Jesus. It is the centerpoint of the throne room. All eyes, ears, and hearts are set on this throne. C. Wherever God s throne is established, there He rules and releases His power and authority. This is why we desire to establish 24/7 intercession and worship in Miami; that God s throne might be established. D. Set- This Throne of Jesus is set in heaven and One sat on the throne. There is much to be said about this revelation. The Father has set the throne in its place. Before the Son of God came to Earth as a man He sat on His throne. This throne is eternal as Jesus leadership will be eternal. Today, He still sits on His throne. Now He sits as fully God AND fully man. A man sits at the right hand of God the Father. Wow! E. All that scripture describes around God s Throne is for the purpose of revealing God s beauty and releasing God s power. God s throne is the starting point for all of life and creation. F. Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. G. In Heaven- The eyes of this beautiful Bridegroom, King, and Judge sees all and knows all as He has the clearest and fullest picture of His creation from Heaven. H. Ezekiel 1:4 Then I looked, and behold, a whirlwind was coming out of the north, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; and brightness was all around it and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire. I. Ezekiel 1:26-28 And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it. 27 Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a P a g e 14

15 III. David Futrell rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. OCEAN & RIVER OF FIRE A. Revelation 4:6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne (under), were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. B. God s temple is and will be the holy of holies where all of the redeemed saints will gather to encounter and praise the Living God. We will gather here regularly and routinely as many celebrations will be scheduled into the ages to come. We won t live around the throne but we will gather around the throne. Even so, we will still have perfect fellowship with limitations as the Holy Spirit continue to fellowship in us and connect us to the heart of our Bridegroom God. C. Before the throne- Around God s throne, almost like referring to the outer courts of the earthly temple D. A Sea of Glass- John is seeing a vast expanse of space spreading out around God s throne, similar to looking at a vast Sea. It is possible that He is seeing the vast space as clear, like crystal, and smooth like glass. E. As the 4 Living Creatures gain revelation and then make declaration, we too will gather around God s throne and grow in revelation and thus make declarations FOREVER. What will be restored and even created as we walk in perfect unity with our Bridegroom King? F. The Sea of glass is filled with flaming fire and is the place the saints gather together before God. I imagine this crystal-clear sea becoming a place of immense beauty as it reflects and refracts the light and glory of God s throne. Beauty and light and sounds and feelings and fragrances. G. It is the gathering place of the redeemed or the heavenly conference center. The saints will gather from all through the city on the Sea. One challenging dimension of a large open air meeting is sound and sight. This place will have great sound with fantastic lights. It is a place of joy and unity being the pinnacle of celebration of our intimacy with God. The saints in heaven will gather there before the Rapture. (Mike Bickle) H. We will receive this river of fire through the Holy Spirit s flowing through us. The greater our communion with Holy Spirit, the greater the release of revelation and release of God s power and resources. I. John 16:12-14 I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth (teach you); for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me (Put My glory in you), for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. J. Revelation 22:1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. K. John 7:38 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. P a g e 15