To witness some grand ceremony can be very exciting. The coronation of a new king, particularly if they adhere to centuries-old traditions, or a royal wedding with pomp and ceremony are all exciting to be a witness to. Only a select few are ever privileged to witness these ceremonies. Our Scripture today describes a ceremony that will be grand and exciting to witness, one which takes place in heaven. Let’s look at what will be happening at this occasion.
The Book of Revelation records a series of visions of future events that the Apostle John had, many of which take place in heaven. As our Scripture opens, the Apostle John is a witness of an event taking place in the Royal Courts of Heaven. Not only is John there, but we also see Jesus, the Lamb of God, along with four living creatures, and twenty-four elders. These last two groups are special angelic type beings. The four living creatures are also mentioned by the prophet Ezekiel, and many Bible scholars believe them to be Cherubim. The twenty-four elders are also heavenly beings who hold a degree of authority, as they are seated upon thrones.
John witnessed the Lord God upon His throne in heaven, holding a scroll which was sealed with seven seals. An angel proclaimed in a loud voice, inquiring who was worthy to open these seals and look at what was inside. However, no one, either in heaven or earth, was worthy to open the seals of the scroll (vs. 1-3). John started to weep over this, but then one of the elders informed him that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David (both Names for the Lord Jesus Christ) was the only One worthy to open the scroll (vs. 4-5). The apostle then observed the Lamb of God, though He had been slain, symbolizing His sacrificial death and resurrection, stand and take the scroll (vs. 6-7). As the elder had said, He had prevailed over Satan and death, and all the enemies of God, and He alone was worthy to open the scroll.
This Lamb would have looked a bit different from any ordinary lamb. Not only was it noticeable that He had been dead, but was now alive, He also had seven horns upon His head, along with seven eyes. The number seven has symbolic meaning in the Bible, symbolizing completeness, perfection, and spiritual wholeness. The seven horns represent perfect power, and the seven eyes symbolize perfect wisdom and omniscience.
The Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, then took the scroll from the hand of God, as He alone has the authority to execute God’s plan for the world during the coming time of tribulation. When He took the scroll, the four creatures and the twenty-four elders prostrated themselves before Him, and brought before the Lord golden bowls full of incense (vs 8). I love the smell of incense! To me, there is nothing better than a church sanctuary filled with the scent of church incense. The incense in these bowls represent the prayers of believers. Our prayers are like incense, rising up to God, which is a pleasing aroma to Him.
The living creatures and elders, these spiritual beings, then break forth into song, praising the Lamb of God as being worthy to take the scroll and open the seals, as He was slain, redeeming mankind to God by His Blood (vs. 9-10). Then other angelic beings joined in the song of praise, bringing innumerable voices in praise of Jesus (vs. 11-12). Then joining them, all creatures in heaven, on earth, and in the sea join in singing praise (vs. 13-14).
These songs of praise to Jesus acknowledge His redemption, through His Blood, of mankind from every nation. His shed Blood has made every born-again believer a king and priest for God. The four creatures, the elders, all other angelic beings, along with all creation declare the Lord Jesus worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing. All creation will ultimately bow before the Lord Jesus Christ, recognizing His divine authority.
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