When...

Revelation 4.

In Revelation class, it was explained as a "stagnant scene": a scene going on in Heaven yesterday, today, and forever.  It never changes.

Revelation 4 describes the appearance of the "throne room" of Heaven: complete with jasper-and-carnelian descriptions of "the one seated on the throne", an emerald rainbow, and the 24 elders falling off their 24 thrones to throw their crowns at the feet of him who sits enthroned.  This scene is incomplete without also noting the lightning and thunder from the throne, the torches, and the sea of glass/crystal before the throne - not to mention the four beasts covered in wings and eyes... I could go on.  In class, I believe we spent over a week on this chapter alone.

No matter how you cut it, this scene is mind boggling and resplendent, and coated with glory.  It's scary and it's beautiful.

I have heard messages on Revelation/Heaven that blew my mind and changed my perspective forever (cf. Francis Chan, Brethren National Youth Conference (BNYC) 2005).  But the beautiful truth here is that this scene doesn't change.

     When lies are louder than truth.
     When addiction is tearing your family apart.

     When you still don't know what you will do next year.

     When the future looms before you, complete with blocked views and impossible dreams.
     When the one you love walks away.
     When the world is ravaged by Ebola and AIDS.
     When your perfect newborn has a 0% chance at life.
     When you can't face another day at work.
     When the idols of your life are revealed and you have to choose against them.
     When there is no hope of freedom.
     When it all seems pointless.
     When the doctors say you will never have children.
     When you cannot afford another semester of college.
     When one you love is diagnosed with stage four cancer.
     When our world is literally ending.

God is still seated on the throne.  He will be still seated on the throne.  He still commands praise and He still emanates glory.  

     When God provides healing.
     When you are so in love that your heart will explode.
     When your baby lives.
     When doctors find a cure.
     When the sun is shining.
     When the leaves on the tree are beautiful beyond compare.
     When you get the scholarship.
     When you watch your favorite movie with a mug of hot tea.
     When a 2-year-old tells you that your "sweetheart" is actually the yellow man from The Wiggles.
     When hope fills your soul.
     When you hear God's calling.
     When the music pierces your heart.
     When you find you can stand on your own.
     When a long-lost friend comes home.
     When you hear words of encouragement.
     When someone becomes an honest-to-goodness Anne-Shirley-and-Diana-Barry "bosom friend."
Twenty-four elders are falling before the throne in worship.  Beasts we can't even imagine proclaim the holiness of God.  Thunder peals from the throne.  God is still in Heaven.

 No matter what.  Never ending.  Too worthy even for our inept praise.



And yet.
     And yet He seeks you out.
     And yet He loves you.
     And yet He cares enough to care that you really need that close parking spot today.
     And yet He desires to hear your hurts.
     And yet He has a beautiful plan for you.
     And yet He will never leave you.
     And yet He desires you.
     And yet He provided a way for you.
     And yet He is able to sympathize with your weakness.
     And yet He intercedes for you.
     And yet He tore the veil, so that you have unencumbered, unimpeded access directly to His presence.
     And yet He wants to hear from you.