The Place of Glory

In Daniel chapter 7, we read about the Father, the Ancient of Days, who sits on the throne in His sanctuary, whose “garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like the pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire.” He is surrounded by thrones in that vision, and then one like the Son of Man appears before Him. (See Daniel 7:9, 10, 13, 14.)

In Revelation chapters 4 and 5, we enter the same scene. Christ, through John’s vision, takes us up into the Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary. While the seven churches highlighted the spiritual significance of the priests’ work with the candlestick, here is brought to view the spiritual significance of the table of showbread.

The table of showbread is a reminder of how God fed His people with the bread of life in the wilderness (Psalm 78:19). The bread on the table, a symbol of Christ the living Word, was arranged as twelve loaves in two rows (Leviticus 24:5, 6). The number twelve points us to God’s people, the body of Christ, for there were twelve tribes in Israel and twelve apostles of the early church. Thus, we have a fitting symbol of the truth expressed in Revelation 3:21: “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”

God the Father shares His throne with Jesus, who then offers to share the government with His people. Even in His very throne room, there are 24 other thrones. What a beautiful truth that God cares about our input and invites His creatures to share in the governing of His creation!

Heavenly Father, we praise You for reigning in humility and for the rainbow of promise that reminds us of Your covenant of grace. May we reflect your glory. Amen!

For Further Study: 1 Corinthians 6:2; Revelation 21:12, 14; Matthew 19:28

Key Bible Texts

And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. (Revelation 4:2 KJV)