From Rabbi Jack...
Revelation {4:4} "And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats, I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold."
The identity of these twenty-four elders has been a subject of debate for many centuries. Some theologians believe them to be celestial beings, while others take them to refer to the church. While the text is not perfectly clear on the subject, it does give us some very important clues and if we search God's Word as some search for wealth, we'll find the answers we are looking for.
First, this passage tells us that the elders are clothed in white. Throughout the book of Revelation white is a symbol of salvation. If these elders were celestial beings, they would not need salvation, because unlike us they were not lost in the first place.
The second clue is the crowns they're wearing. These were not Diadem crowns as those worn by kings or celestial beings, rather John called them Stephanos crowns. My Strong's Greek/English dictionary defines Stephanos as: "A mark of royal or (in general) exalted rank; like the wreath or garland which was given as a prize to victors in public games." So, I believe these to be a crown (wreath) which is the reward of righteousness. It is the crown of the overcomers, the crown that will be given to us when we stand before the Lord and our works as Believers are judged.
The third clue is their title. Nowhere in Scripture are celestial beings called Elders. This term is used in Scripture to describe human positions of leadership.
The final clue is the number 24. King David divided the priestly tribe of Levi into twenty-four courses. Each course had their turn serving in the Temple (1 Chronicles 24). The 24 courses represented the whole priesthood.
We, as born-again Believers are called a nation of priests.
1 Peter {2:9} "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light."
In my estimation, these twenty-four Elders represent the twenty-four courses of Levites King David established, who are now serving the Lord in heaven.
What a thrill to think that one day we who have received Yeshua as our Lord and Savior and are judged righteous, will also be in heaven along with all the saints that have preceded us. But yet my heart is sad, because there are so many people, including friends and family, that still do not recognize Yeshua as their Messiah, God, Lord and Savior and have never had the born-again experience. They sadly may very well end up spending eternity in hell.
Hi Ellen here…
Many years ago Jack and I ministered to a single foster mom. We thought it was so wonderful that she fostered an entire group of siblings so that they would not be separated…BUT her parenting was waning thin so we helped out. We did this with many single moms and noticed one thing that was disturbing. When one is angry or saddened there tends to be words that go out into the atmosphere that are harmful. I too am to blame at times and am asking Abba to change me…but the words went out never to be retrieved again! I remember words like; "You will never amount to anything," which severely causes low self-esteem. I know we have all said this…"Are you crazy!" Who knows what root has been planted in the minds of those receiving such words? Wrong word labels go deeper than a punch or a smack! Other word labels are; "My child has mental health issues." How about; "He, or she, has a learning disability." Here is one that hurts deeply…"You are fat or you are too skinny." Maybe, as the person matures those words that have taken root in the recesses of their minds evolve into their character through acceptance of them, who knows?
When Jack and I prepare to visit doctors, we pray against all wrong word labels that might come against us. I am not saying that we should ignore cancers and viruses, colds and broken bones but I am saying to seek the Lord first. Jack and I have been through them all and have followed treatment protocols but we always ask the Lord to do the impossible as we do the possible. I could go on but there is no need to dwell on all this negativity. My final statement lies in:
Philippians {4.8} "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things."
Yours in Messiah Yeshua, "…while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Messiah Yeshua." (Titus 2:13)
Rabbi Jack & Ellen
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