5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.  6 Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. ...

Comments:

There is something about violent weather that intrigues me. Of course I do not want to see people hurt or their property damaged by storms, but I do like to sit back and watch a nice storm go by, with all of its lightning, thunder, and wind. There is something sweet to the soul to be put in awe, and a good storms does that. It is fitting, then, that John should describe the heavenly throne of God as the source point of a mighty storm.

The “storm” coming from God’s throne reminds us of His mighty power. Lightning shatters rocks and trees, and the accompanying winds can devastate any human structures. The book of Revelation goes on to show how the power of God will sweep over all the earth and its inhabitants. Praise His name, that this power is exercised for the good of the children of God!

The heavenly “storm” also warns us regarding our utter helplessness before His power. We cannot stop lightning bolts from falling from the sky, nor can we silence the mighty thunder when it rolls. We may huddle in a corner to try to escape the lightning, and cover our ears to shut out the thunder, but these feeble efforts will be of no avail. God’s sovereign plan will go forward, unstoppable:

The LORD foils the plans of the nations;

       he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,

       the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:10-11

It is, for the Christian, a very satisfying feeling to rest in awe of our God, who rides on the wings of the storm.

Biblical Doctrine: Theology Proper – God is sovereign and omnipotent.

My Responsibility: Be in awe of my God.

Question: For the seven spirits of God, the NIV translator’s notes suggest it might also be translated the sevenfold Spirit. How does this alternate translation interpret the meaning of the phrase?

Prayer: LORD, I have heard of your fame;
        I stand in awe of your deeds,

O LORD. Renew them in our day,

       in our time make them known;

       in wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2