Enthronement – Part 4

Revelation 5:1-14

¹Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.

²And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”

³And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it,

⁴and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.

⁵And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

⁶And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

⁷And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne.

⁸And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

⁹And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,

¹⁰and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

¹¹Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,

¹²saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

¹³And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

¹⁴And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Our picture of the Victorious Christ is completed as He takes the scroll that only He is able to open and is seated on the throne. The contents of the scroll will be revealed in the ensuing chapters. When He is seated on the throne all of heaven breaks forth in a magnificent display of praise and worship, which continues even today. The worship comes not only from the “creatures” of heaven but from the whole Church as well.

A couple of details to fill in as we explore these highly charged verses. The bowls of incense equated with the prayers of the saints is not a new idea to John. This concept was mentioned in Psalm 141 and is an interesting image. The father of John the Baptist also uses incense during his time as the priest in the temple while the people were lifting up prayers in Luke 1.

Psalm 141:1-2

¹O Lord, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you! ²Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!

Luke 1:8-10

⁸ Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, ⁹according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. ¹⁰And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

Just as incense rises and permeates the room, so the prayers of God’s people rise before Him and have an impact upon Him. Incense creates a physical reaction in us through the sense of smell and one can only assume those prayers have a similar impact on the Lord. Our prayers do not go unheeded by God.

Also in examination of the details we find that in the “new song” sung by the heavenly court in praise of Jesus there are a couple of extra words used in singing specifically of His glory. In Revelation 4:11 we experience the words of praised used for the Father. “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power . . .” Now, as the praises for Jesus resound throughout the throne room, the same phrasing is used with additional attributes attached. “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” Jesus is the Lord and Savior who had given up His life for the people He loves. In that sacrifice comes even more praise and glory for what He has done for us. And there is no competition between Father and Son. Both are pleased by the praise the other receives.

As we close our study of these two chapters of Revelation, let me reiterate the blessing that comes with reading and rereading these chapters. No matter what you are feeling, allowing these words to soak into your heart and mind will bring peace and a desire to praise right along with the heavenly creatures and the whole Church. None of us can read these words often enough for in them lie power and peace.