“And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight” (Revelation 4:6-7 ESV).
In John’s revelation, he saw four “living creatures” continually praising the One seated on a heavenly throne. His description of these four sounds very similar to the beings that the prophets Isaiah (Isa. 6) and Ezekiel (Ez. 1) encountered in their visions.
These four angelic beings have been variously interpreted to represent the four evangelists: Matthew (Lion), Mark (Ox), Luke (Man), and John (Eagle). These four images also align with the emphases of each gospel. For Matthew emphasized Christ as King (Lion), Mark emphasized Christ as Servant (Ox), Luke as Son of Man (Man) and John emphasized Christ as God (Eagle).
It is also interesting to note that these four images were on the banners of the tribes of Israel’s wilderness encampment that camped according to the four points of the compass. The tribe of Judah camped to the East with the banner of a lion, Ephraim to the West with an ox, Reuben to the South with a man, and Dan to the North with the image of an eagle on their banner.
John does not comment on the identity of these beings. He only records what they continually repeated–– that God is three times holy, omnipotent and eternal.
Who they are and what they represent is a mystery. Yet one Day, we shall join in their worship, casting our crowns before Christ’s royal throne.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we give You thanks and praise for the future You have prepared for us through Jesus, Your Son. You have pulled back the veil to let us catch a glimpse of heaven, yet we see it only in part, awaiting the Day when we shall see it and Your Son, fully. Until that Day, strengthen us to walk in Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.