Revelation 4:3–5

The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God.

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The identity of the twenty-four elders is unclear. One possibility is that the twenty- four symbolized the twelve tribes of Israelites in the Old Testament and the twelve apostles in the New Testament, similar to the imagery seen in Revelation 21:12–14. Another possibility is the twenty-four elders represented those who already died in the faith and now acted as interpreters (Revelation 5:5; 7:13–17) and worshipers (e.g., Revelation 4:10–11; 5:8–10) (Apostolic Study Bible, commentary on Revelation 4:4).

In Rome, Italy, located on the top of the Aventine Hill, at the Priory of the Knights of Malta, is a nondescript, old, black door with a keyhole in the middle.

When you peer through the Aventine Keyhole, you see a perfectly framed view of Saint Peter’s Basilica. While the dome of the basilica is visible, the rest of the building cannot be seen. The keyhole only provides a glimpse of the renowned work of Renaissance architecture.

Just like looking through a keyhole, the Bible gives us glimpses of what Heaven looks like. The details God provides are just enough to give each of us something to anticipate with great joy. Just think: if the glimpses provided in Scripture are so wondrous, how much more glorious will Heaven be? While reflecting upon biblical descriptions of Heaven, what are you looking forward to the most?

That concludes our devotional for today. Let us finish with a word of prayer. 

WORD OF PRAYER

Lord, thank You for the glimpses of heaven You've provided in Your Word, stirring up anticipation for the beauty and glory that await us. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on the eternal, living in a way that prepares me to join the heavenly chorus in worship. I look forward to the day when I can see Your throne and join the elders in eternal praise. 

In the name of Jesus, amen.