There are a lot of mysterious creatures in the Bible. Read Revelation 4:4-8. We are a fantasy-loving culture. We love unicorns, aliens, elves, hobbits, and dragons. These creatures allow us to use our curiosity and imagination. When we read our Bibles, we are not reading fiction or fantasy. We are given a glimpse of the spiritual and heavenly realms. The Book of Revelation gives us some wild and mysterious creatures. God is in the throne room of heaven, surrounded by some of these creatures. In Revelation 4, John describes four creatures who are covered with eyes and take on the form of a lion, ox, man, and eagle. Don’t let their appearance distract you from their purpose. Their purpose is to glorify God, day and night. They are in a continuous state of worship. Their words are repeated continuously. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.” What seems strange to us is perfectly normal in heaven because the occupants of heaven are constantly aware of their presence. When most of us read Revelation, we focus on what we don’t understand instead of what we can comprehend. There is so much in today’s world that we don’t understand, but we don’t seem to dwell on it. I don’t understand how my smartphone works, yet I use it every day without much thought because it is just a common item in my hand or pocket. When we consider Revelation 4, we can be distracted by the mysterious and miss the moment. All we need to know is God is in heaven and we will one day spend eternity in God’s presence, praising God with what will become to us very familiar creatures.

Holy God, help us navigate the mysterious in order to focus on the certainty of who you are and the promises you offer us. We put our faith in you this day and forever. Amen.