Eternal Shepherd

Is it possible our souls stand before Christ, in heaven? Who are these great multitudes and where do they come from? Revelation 7, to me, describes how the process works.

The parallel suggests that, “Our Father, in heaven,” is the “Lamb” in the middle of the throne” who “shepherds us.” That’s Jesus. The middle of the throne, I suspect, is a new Kingdom. Jesus has passed through death into new life, in a new Kingdom. The Kingdom is his. So are we.

Springs of Life

Jesus leads us to springs of the water of life. His Spirit. Which makes us part of his Kingdom. Bring your Kingdom here. Make us part of your Kingdom there.

No more Tears

The Revelation promises “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

It is his will to eliminate death, and offer us eternal life. This promise begins in heaven, where Christ “wipes away every tear.” The parallel suggest this is also taking place, “on earth.”

I must admit it often does not feel this way, but that doesn’t mean it’s not real.

Gifts

This is where the Revelation begins to get mysterious. Jesus opens the final seal of the book of life, and there is silence in heaven for about half an hour. The “silence,” I believe represents the silencing of our accuser, our adversary. Satan cannot accuse us, because Jesus makes our souls white. Like a white robe.

Seven trumpets are given to the seven angels who stand before God. “Give us today our daily bread.” The parallel suggests we are asking Christ to give us God’s Spirit. Give us your word, which comes in the form of seven trumpets.

Blank Spot

Next, I believe, comes something even mysterious: a blank spot in the revelation. It matches the petition, “forgive us our debts.”

This place in the text comes between the “gift” of the seven trumpets, and an angel which “stood” over the altar. The previous revelation had a gift of white robes, a cry of “salvation,” and all the angels “standing” around the throne.

I believe this “blank spot” represents a place of covering. Our iniquity is removed, forgiven. It is no longer visible.

Deliverance

Here, I believe, it shows how God works. “Another angel” comes and stood over the altar. He mixes incense with our prayers, which is what this entire passage has been about: the Lord’s prayer.

The smoke of the incense, with our prayers, ascends. The angel, it seems, is the Spirit of Christ, who intercedes for us, in heaven. He mixes our prayers with the sweet smell of incense.

Perhaps we don’t literally ascend into heaven at this time. But, our prayers most certainly do. So, perhaps, do our souls.

Eternal Power

All authority has been given to Jesus in heaven and on earth. The kingdom, power and glory are his. The revelation angel fills the censer with the fire of the altar, and throws it on earth.

Our God is a consuming fire. Jesus pours out the Spirit of God — fire — on the earth. I believe it is poured out on us, as the culmination of the entire prayer. Give us your Spirit. Make us part of your Kingdom. Dwell in us here. Bring us there.

It brings to mind a passage from the book of Joel, which goes something like this: It will come about in the end of times that will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And, your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions.

Visions, perhaps, like that of the Revelation Shepherd, who covers our soul with a white robe, and leads us into a new Kingdom.

Reign with Christ

The ultimate Kingdom example in the book of Revelation comes from Chapter 20: the millennial reign of Christ. Click the right arrow, or “millennial reign” link below to take a look.