Behind the Scenes

When we get glimpses of what is going on, behind the scenes, in government, or the financial sector, or amongst oil companies fixing prices, we are mostly shocked. On the outside, people seem good and trustworthy, and then scandals emerge about expenses, and other unexpected activities.

Lord Acton's famous dictum, 'Power tends to corrupt and absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely' - appears more true with every turning year.

So it is startlingly encouraging when we look behind the scenes in the Book of Revelation.

'Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow.' (Revelation 4.1-3)

While John is enduring the results of Roman injustice and tyranny, exiled on the island of Patmos, he sees that the true ruler of the world is God, full of mercy and glory. As John looks further, he sees Jesus, and this changes everything. 'Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders.' (Revelation 5.6). And the worship of all heaven is taken up with praise. ' And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honour and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” (Revelation 5.13)

Whatever is happening in our world today, we also need to know that behind the scenes is God, revealed to us in Jesus, whose purposes are good and merciful to all He has made. As we live today, knowing this, we can be peaceful and purposeful in all that we seek to do.

Best wishes,

Richard