Benefits of Pondering Mysteries

Scripture: Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white clothes, with golden crowns on their heads. Revelation 4:4

Observation: There are several images of the Lord and of heaven in scriptures, and there are also a few of the residents of heaven. The most common may be the four living creatures (here in verses 6-8). The people on the 24 thrones are very interesting. They are "elders", presuming this to be a title of respect though it may indicate evidence that they appear mature in nature. Given the descriptions used of others and the lack of such descriptions here, they appear to be human. They are dressed in white and wear golden crowns. It is not totally clear how they are arranged; "around" the throne of God may mean a true circle, or it may mean a semi-circle either before the thrown or extending to either side of the throne. The are zealous in their worship of the Lord.

However, what seems to never be disclosed is ... who these 24 are.

There are common guesses, such as that they are the two groups of 12 ... the 12 sons of Israel that comprise the tribes, plus the 12 apostles designated by Jesus. This doesn't make a ton of sense since John, who is writing this account, would thus recognize half of them as his closest friends (and would be one himself). There are also guesses that these are great people of faith, but that would mean they are likely the judges and prophets of the Old Testament, and that no one from more recent times is elevated to such a status.

Perhaps their nature was hidden from John, or perhaps the members or this group of elders change over time, or perhaps this is already a projection into the future and the members are determined near the end time. And in all of this, who is to say what qualifies an individual for such eldership? Would this be based on great acts of faith, or earthly deeds, or historical selection, or some other criteria? Are these even humans, or are they another type of heavenly creature created by God for such a purpose?

Application: The mysteries of the Lord are deep. Even as I ponder these 24 elders, I also wonder ... why are they even there? There are billions of people in heaven worshiping the Lord, so why 24 with a special worship? And why show it to John without explanation?

These are interesting elements of the Lord, and in some way I believe the Lord gives us mysteries so we have ideas to ponder, not just 'things to do'. God made humans with an ability to rationalize and hypothesize, to wonder and experiment in our minds. So then he also gave us things to hypothesize about so that we may consider him, explore his nature, and know him better despite our difficulty to perceive him. We can ponder mysteries as a way of developing an understanding of God, even if we cannot reach a definitive understanding of the mystery itself.

Prayer: Lord, as I consider the mystery of the 24 elders, may I be encouraged by my ignorance to discover that I am really just meditating on your word. I do wish to do that more, day and night. Thank you for the ability to think on you as we can, and may I remain in your word daily. Amen.