Revelation 4:1-11 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven… I. THE SOUL HAS THE ABILITY TO PERCEIVE HEAVENLY VISIONS. 1. Man has the ability to look into the world around him — in nature, in society, in the nation. 2. Man has the ability to look into the world within him. It would be well for the moral life of men if they would enter more frequently into the chamber of the heart, and inspect the sentiments and energies reigning there. 3. Man has the ability to look into the world before him. This is his noblest ability. It brings into requisition the keen eye of a Divinely-enlightened soul. This vision is sublime, captivating, inspiring, elevating. II. THE SOUL HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PERCEIVE HEAVENLY VISIONS. God allows man to gaze into the mysteries of the life above. Kings do not often give men free access to their presence-chamber. Here we see the love of God, in that: He reveals the unseen to the race; His wisdom in that He casts a little light upon the problems of futurity. This opportunity is the most frequently given: 1. To men in lonely sorrow (Revelation 1:9, Ezekiel 1:1). Men can see a long way through tears. 2. To men in humble duty (Matthew 3:16). 3. To men in dying circumstances (Acts 7:55). III. THE SOUL IS CALLED BY MANY VOICES TO RISE TO HEAVENLY VISION. 1. It is called by the voice of God as heard in Scripture; by the voice of Christ, whose earthly life was one continued gaze into heaven; by the Holy Spirit, who purifies the life of the soul that it may be capable of celestial vision. 2. The soul must ascend to heavenly vision. Elevated above flesh, above the world, above reason, even to faith. IV. THE SOUL OBTAINS ITS TRUEST KNOWLEDGE OF FUTURE DESTINIES FROM ITS HEAVENLY VISION. 1. From the heavenly vision men learn that all human events are under the wise providence of God. 2. From the heavenly vision men learn wisely to estimate the passing events of life. 3. From the heavenly vision men learn calmly to wait the destinies of the future. Lessons: (1) Learn in all things to look heavenward. (2) Seek to rise morally to the level of heavenly vision. (3) Learn to read history in the light of clear prophecy. (J. S. Exell, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. |
    |