Rev.4:6 – ….and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind.

The book of Revelation is pivotal in God’s plan for planet earth and all of the God’s creatures on it. This passage is at the center of God’s restorative plan about to be implemented, the end of one age and the beginning of another. The scroll that represents the past and future of earth is about to be opened. These four creatures play an important role in what is about to transpire. They apparently represent all of God’s creatures in the earth; the Lord is about to restore everything that was lost at the fall and take away the curse that all of God’s creatures have been laboring under. Here is how Barclay describes this.

“The four living creatures stand for everything that is noblest, strongest, wisest and swiftest in nature. Each creature has the pre-eminence in its own particular sphere. The lion is supreme among beasts; the ox is supreme among cattle; the eagle is supreme among birds; and a human being is supreme among all creatures. The beasts represent all the greatness and the strength and the beauty of nature; here we see nature praising God. In the verses to follow, we see the twenty-four elders praising God; and, when we put the two pictures together, we get the picture of both nature and humanity engaged in constant adoration of God. ‘The ceaseless activity of nature under the hand of God is a ceaseless tribute of praise.’ The idea of nature praising God is one which occurs in the Old Testament more than once. ‘The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge’ (Psalm 19:1–2). ‘Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion’. Ps.103:22”

We all only know creation in its fallen condition. Even in this fallen state creation is displaying the glory of God. That is the primary purpose of everything that the Lord has made. His handiwork gives a look at His genius and His greatness. The end of this age – ravaged by the fall and all of its implications – is upon us. The Lord is introducing His new creation where righteousness dwells. These four beasts are keenly aware of what is about to happen, creation is about to be made new and the curse will be over. As they lead out in worship all of creation follows their lead…

“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”