Revelation 4:2-5 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.… I. THERE IS A RAINBOW ROUND ABOUT THE THRONE IN THE WORKS OF CREATION. In the threefold kingdom of nature the throne is conspicuously manifest, for authority and power are everywhere obvious. Law reigns permanent and supreme, and sometimes asserts itself with apparent severity and sternness. But there is a rainbow encircling the throne-for the storms that terrify produce in their train fertility and health. Processes that seem to produce death give birth to new life. Floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, tempest, etc., work upon the whole for the good of man. II. THERE IS A RAINBOW ROUND ABOUT THE THRONE IN THE PROVIDENTIAL GOVERNMENT OF GOD. In all God's dealings with man there have been blended mercy with judgment, forgiveness with chastisement. This is true of nations as well as of individuals. III. THERE IS A RAINBOW ABOUT THE THRONE IN THE SCENE THAT WAS ENACTED AT CALVARY. In the death of Christ — the sinless One — the throne of authority and righteousness is unveiled; but the rainbow encircled the head of the suffering Redeemer; on the Cross mercy and truth met together, righteousness and peace kissed each other. IV. THERE IS A RAINBOW ROUND ABOUT THE THRONE IN THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL OF THE GLORY OF GOD. The glad tidings of salvation proclaim God's righteous indignation against sin, and to some become "a savour of death unto death." The rainbow of the covenant of grace, full of exceeding great and precious promises, encircles that throne of authority, so that whosoever will may come and obtain pardon and peace. V. THERE IS A RAINBOW ROUND ABOUT THE THRONE IN THE PREDICTIONS OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT. This vision of John gives us a guarantee: 1. Of the perpetuation of the evolution of the seasons in the world of nature. 2. Of the fulfilment of the promises contained in the covenant of grace. 3. Of the absolute safety of all who cling with deathless tenacity to the enthroned Redeemer. 4. Of the final accomplishment of God's gracious purposes in relation to our race. (F. W. Brown.) Parallel Verses KJV: And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. |
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