Watching what happened

Sometimes, when people move to another location, they send a video home to let family and friends see where they are now living. They could have sent a letter, but seeing something provides information more vividly.

 

In Revelation 4 and 5, we have the equivalent of a video of the arrival of Jesus in heaven at his ascension. In fact, its details are more defined and clearer than any video yet produced on earth. We see the heavenly court, its sense of anticipation, the joy of the gathering, as the moment draws near for the Arrival. Many a destination has been reached before by gifted people, but this Arrival is a unique destination for a unique person. Many a believer had arrived in heaven before, but none had arrived there in the way that Jesus did. Millions of angels have returned from missions, but none entered in the manner that Jesus did.

 

How did Jesus arrive? What was his appearance? He entered the august assembly as a lamb that had been slain. Martyrs had reached heaven before this, but Jesus did not enter there as a martyr. Instead, he entered as the accepted Sacrifice, the living Proof that atonement had been made. His achievements fitted his abilities because he had performed the most amazing of activities when he endured the wrath of God on the cross and paid the penalty for our sins. 

 

Where will Jesus go when he arrives? Will he join the group of elders overseeing the occasion? Will he take a place in the throng of angels round the throne? No, he goes far higher, indeed he goes to the pinnacle, to the throne of God. As we look, we see that each step he takes towards his destination is watched with admiration by the gathered crowd. And watched with appreciation by the One on the throne as he cries, ‘Sit at my right hand,’ words that he never said to anyone else.

 

That is where Jesus has been since then. Highly exalted. Given the name that is above every name. Entitled to be acknowledged as Lord by the whole of creation. And the gathered assembly has not ceased to sing about it, and they never will, even although their ranks are swelling as more and more of his people reach their destination.