recognition, as well as instant delight over the growth under such
wondrous tutorage.

This is the glimpse into the upper world which John sees and is allowed
to give us here. The redeemed ones of earth of all the ages are in the
presence of the Father and of the Lord Jesus and of the angels, on terms
of intimate fellowship, made pure and perfect in character, but always
growing from more to more, and having a share in blessed ministry. And
they listen to and have share in making music more exquisite than our
earthly language can describe.

They understand the wondrous plans for the earth, for now they see all
things through the Lord Jesus' eyes. They have some part without doubt
in welcoming those who come to join them, even as they will have part in
receiving those who are caught up at our Lord's return. And they look
forward eagerly to the glad time of righting that will come then.

But let us look a bit more at what John sees. Out of the throne are seen
proceeding lightnings and voices and thunders. Three other times in
this book it speaks of lightning and voices and thunder.[97] These
things of course are the familiar accompaniments of a storm. It is
noticeable that each other time they are named in the book it is in
connection with some direct action being taken by God in the affairs of
the earth. And each time there is some added item intensifying the
scene.

A physical storm is caused by two areas of unequal temperature coming
together. The storm is the process of coming together and equalizing of
the atmospheric conditions. The inference here would seem to be that the
time of action has come to straighten out matters on the earth. The two
moral atmospheres of heaven and earth seem to be coming into contact,
and a storm is resulting before clear weather comes. It suggests that
our Lord Jesus is taking the next direct step in His broader plan.

God's Ideal of Creation.

But let us look a little further. In the book's picture language there
are "seven lamps of fire burning before the throne." These we are
plainly told "are the seven spirits of God." That is a Hebrew way of
saying "the perfect spirit of God." This is of intense interest. The
Holy Spirit is represented as being before the throne.

In the confidential talk with the inner group of disciples on the
betrayal night, in John's Gospel,[98] Jesus promises that when He has
ascended up to the Father He will send down the Holy Spirit to them.
When th