Revelation 4:9-11

These living ones give glory and honor and thanks to him that sits upon the throne; and the twenty four elders representing the redeemed of earth, fall down before him that liveth forever and ever and cast their crowns before the throne saying: "Thou art worthy, Lord, to receive glory and honor, and power, for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created." God as Creator is sovereign and omnipotent.

So the chapter closes with a great outburst of praise to God, who is all in all in heaven and on earth. God has created them all, and his very creation of them expresses his desire for their good, and happiness, and as well his authority over all, and his power to bless and save, and do them good. In his hands who can harm?

This is John's first vision in this series. It is a vision of heaven and of God. That is a good starting-point. From this standpoint we see all things in a right light, and estimate all things at their proper value. And if these early Christians were being called to face persecution, prison, fire, and death, we can appreciate the appropriateness of this introductory scene to steady them in their approaching baptism of blood. God is their God and Creator, and all blessing, and all destiny rest with him. It is well to remember, in addition, as we go through this book, that John is seeing these visions in heaven even though they have to do with earth and time.