CRYSTAL HEAVEN - PART 3

WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2023

A born again Christian is not just a new creation who takes up his cross, to fulfil that which remains of the sufferings of Christ, and to patiently bear Christ's afflictions on earth till he comes back, according to some preachers. Let us also be truly thankful to God, who has made known to us, blessed mysteries hidden from ages and generations, and has made us His shinning light on earth, by granting us the riches and splendour of His ever-increasing glory in Christ.

Reference: Hebrews 4:16 New King James Version (NKJV) "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

The sense of "throne of grace" as initiated in mystery is expressive of eternal dominion. To that effect, Psalm 103:19 reads, "The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His Kingdom (sovereignty) rules over all." And the throne of God has been set up forever, according to Psalm 45:6. The (AMP) reads, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom."

When the Word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the Priest, and he saw the vision of four figures in the throne room, he described them in this manner:

"Within it there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form. Each one had four faces and four wings. Their legs were straight and the soles of their feet were like a calf's hoof, and they sparkled and gleamed like shiny bronze. Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. As for the faces and wings of the four of them, their wings touched one another; their faces did not turn when they moved, each went straight forward. Regarding the form and appearance of their faces: they [each] had the face of a man [in front], and each had the face of a lion on the right side, and the face of an ox on the left side; all four also had the face of an eagle [at the back of their heads]" (Ezekiel 1:5-10 AMP).

The above description is also found in Revelation 4:6-9, according to John's apocalypse.

Ezekiel also stated his vision of divine glory of God and of His throne, in this manner:

"Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, it appeared like [it was made of] sapphire or lapis lazuli; and [seated] on that which looked like a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man. Now upward, from that which appeared to be His waist, I saw something like glowing metal that looked like it was filled with fire all around it; and downward, from that which appeared to be His waist, I saw something like fire; and there was a brightness and a remarkable radiance [like a halo] around Him. As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory and brilliance of the Lord" (Ezekiel 1:26-28).

The appearance of a rainbow around the throne, according to Ezekiel's vision, was exactly as it was revealed by John in Revelation 4:3. Now watch this: Significantly, Ezekiel stated that the likeness of the firmament above the heads of the four living creatures was like the colour of an awesome crystal, stretched over their heads (Ezekiel 1:22 NKJV). That awesome gleam of icy crystal, in form of the firmament above their heads, is a striking description of a glassy sea of shimmering crystal, which John saw in front of the throne room, according to Revelation 4:6 (VOICE).

Heaven is a great city, full of shining lights, and we are "replica" or the real value of that glassy sea which remains unaltered forever, (and I will specifically expound this revelation in the next article). So God handles us (the new creation) as precious and peculiar people, like the shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal, because we are the very apple of His eye. Zero wonder Zechariah 2:8 reads, 'For thus says the Lord of hosts, "After glory He has sent me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye."' God shields and cares for us; He guards us as the apple of His eye (Deuteronomy 32:10 NIV), and treats us as His most prized possession. Just like that crystal sparkles, God calls us the children of light (1 Thessalonians 5:5 NIV).

We are the very light that cannot be hidden; the very righteousness of God, extended to shine brightly in the earth realm (Matthew 5:14 NIV). Stay tuned for part 4. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 11:4; Daniel 7:9; Isaiah 66:1; Revelation 4:1-6.

Exuberant Declaration: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. Hallelujah!