A Glimpse of Heaven (Part 1)

Written By Betty Predmore

REVELATION 4:1-11

(December 13)

Did you ever get a glimpse of something so magical you couldn't believe you saw it? In my mind, I liken it to gazing across the tree-covered mountains of the Great Smokies, or watching the sun set where the sea meets the sky. I also think of my first glimpse of a new grandbaby, and how magical that moment is. As wonderful as these are in my mind, they are nothing compared to the glimpse of Heaven given to John.

He saw a door standing open in Heaven. Of course, he looked through it. Wouldn't you? That was when he heard the voice of Jesus again, inviting him in, "Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this." In an instant, he was before the throne. There was someone sitting on that throne who was as brilliant as gemstones with the glow of an emerald circling his throne like a rainbow. How magnificent that must have been!

Around him were 24 thrones with 24 elders seated on them. These elders represented the 12 tribes of Israel in the Old Testament and the 12 apostles in the New Testament, symbolizing all those who are now a part of God's family, whether Jew or Gentile. This shows us that ALL of the redeemed are worshiping him, not matter if they were Jew or Gentile.

John also saw flashes of lightning and rumbles of thunder coming from the throne. (I wonder if they were like the ones I have been seeing here in Texas?) This lightning and thunder is a sign of a significant event. There was lightning and thunder at Mount Sinai when God gave the commandments. This imagery of lightning and thunder is often used in the Bible to reflect the power and majesty of God.

As if this wasn't enough for his eyes to take in, John also saw a shiny sea of glass in front of the throne. In the center and around the throne, he saw four living creatures with eyes in the front and eyes in the back. (Reminds me of when my mom used to say she had eyes in the back of her head.) One of these creatures looked like a lion, the next looked like an ox. The third one resembled a human and the last one was like an eagle in flight. They all had six wings which were covered with eyes.

What was the meaning of these four creatures? They weren't real animals. They were to represent the qualities and character of God. The lion represented majesty and power. the ox symbolized faithfulness. The man was the representation of intelligence, and the eagle was a symbol of the sovereignty of God. They guarded the throne of God, lead others in worship and proclaimed God's holiness continually by saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty - the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come." (Verse

John has much more to see, but this is his first glimpse into Heaven, and what a magnificent sight it must have been. We will all, if we are believers, get that same scene before our own eyes someday. How will we feel? Will we be so overwhelmed that we can't speak? Or will we be filled with questions about the wonder and beauty of where we are?

Good questions that will be answered in due time.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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The Tale of Two Brothers