The King’s Delegation

Read: Revelation 4

Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. Revelation 4:4

IN WORD

God is the sovereign King of the universe—unequaled, unrivaled, unquestionably. So it’s no surprise that most people emphasize His authority without considering the possibility of sharing it. Humans—or any beings other than God—are too imperfect and too limited to qualify for a crown.

Surprisingly, then, the elders around the throne are dressed in white garments—symbols of purity—and wearing golden crowns. They have regal authority given by God Himself. They submit to the throne, but they also represent it. They are less than God, but they are empowered to act in His place. Yes, they will cast down these crowns and worship God—that’s what godly leaders do—but that doesn’t mean the crowns are illegitimate. They couldn’t have them in the throne room unless the crowns had been given by the One who sits on the throne. These elders are reigning with Him.

How can this be? God is always relational, so He doesn’t rule in isolation. He surrounds Himself with trustworthy stewards who will rule with Him. From the earliest pages of Scripture, He chose created beings to share dominion with Him over the earth, and He has a long history of bringing prophets and kings and simple disciples into His courts. As a thoroughly relational God, He is a delegator at heart.

IN DEED

We don’t know exactly who the twenty-four elders are. Some say they are the leaders of the twelve tribes plus the twelve disciples, and some say they aren’t human at all. But we do know that God gives Kingdom roles to those who worship Him wholeheartedly. Next to His throne or not, His children are royals. We are entrusted with His wisdom and charged with implementing His will. Those who worship Him, consider themselves unworthy of a crown, and willingly offer any crown to Him are the ones who receive a crown in the first place. We can enjoy the presence of the King.

ADDITIONAL READING: Mark 10:35-40

We may think God wants actions of a certain kind, but God wants people of a certain kind.

C. S. LEWIS