So now, I think we have figured out why they do what they do. But we still haven’t addressed their bizarre appearance. We must remember, once again, that John is perceiving more than just their form. He is also experiencing their essence, almost everything about them. This is something we cannot do in our limited world of five senses and linear time constraints. To know someone as completely as possible, I have to spend a lifetime with them. And even then, there are things I will not understand. But here John gets the full download instantly. And so, he is trying with the best of his ability to convey to his readers the essence of these very special angels.
I think the key to understanding them is right there staring us in the face. Yes, I believe they were angels, but John (and Ezekiel) calls them living creatures. These four living creatures represent, in my opinion, the entire God-adoring creation that is always and forever bringing honor and glory to the Creator. Specifically, I’m speaking of the animal kingdom. Okay, maybe not spiders and snakes! The face of the lion represents all wild animals, the face of the ox, all tame animals, the face of the eagle, all birds, and the face of a man, all human life.
In the garden, God gave Adam dominion over his creation. And man was the apex, the focal point of creation. But the animals were not created just for man’s pleasure. They were created by God and for HIS pleasure. People often ask, “Will there be animals in heaven?” I think I can unequivocally say, “Yes!” And as in our fallen world, they will forever be calling us to worship and praise our God. This scene indicates that they will be very close to the Father, even in the midst of his throne.
I think the key to understanding them is right there staring us in the face. Yes, I believe they were angels, but John (and Ezekiel) calls them living creatures. These four living creatures represent, in my opinion, the entire God-adoring creation that is always and forever bringing honor and glory to the Creator. Specifically, I’m speaking of the animal kingdom. Okay, maybe not spiders and snakes! The face of the lion represents all wild animals, the face of the ox, all tame animals, the face of the eagle, all birds, and the face of a man, all human life.
In the garden, God gave Adam dominion over his creation. And man was the apex, the focal point of creation. But the animals were not created just for man’s pleasure. They were created by God and for HIS pleasure. People often ask, “Will there be animals in heaven?” I think I can unequivocally say, “Yes!” And as in our fallen world, they will forever be calling us to worship and praise our God. This scene indicates that they will be very close to the Father, even in the midst of his throne.
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