And 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. And 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,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”
Comment: Never let us say that this is fanciful talk and its meaning is vague and ‘spiritual’. That it is only there to help us get into the worship mode. There is a lot of symbolism but concepts which fit in with the writing of the Bible. This short passage should bring us to our knees in worship, in thankfulness that God is revealing His plan through the very worthy Jesus.
Q. Who are the four living Creatures? I am confident that they include the four gospels which are the Living Word of God. I fancy that some way or another they include the concept of the gospel being spread and thus they almost certainly include the faithful people who have taken the saving gospel out worldwide . Through this God has called the church into being. Q. Who do the twenty four elders represent? As I said yesterday, I am confident that they are the Patriarchs and Apostles. But here we see them combined with the prayers of the saints. In the Bible the name for believers is ‘saints’ so we see the elders working with the church ie the prayers of the church. True believers in Jesus with members from the time before the incarnation, the remnant of the Old Testament make up the Church Universal. Q What is causing this burst of glorious worship? It is all centered around the person and work of Jesus. He is by His death and resurrection the Redeemer of people for God from every tribe and nation . He is worthy to open the plans of God for the world to see! He is indeed worthy to open the seals! NB the word ‘saint’ is used in a different way in some churches. It is used to denote special miracle working abilities or qualities. That is not the way the Bible uses it.
Prayer: Please open my eyes to see Your truth in this book, and to praise You worthily!
As I read it! 