We have arrived at Revelation 6. In this chapter we read about the opening of the seals. The first eight verses talk about the opening of the first four seals, verses 9 through 11 talk about the opening of the fifth seal, and verses 12 through 17 talk about the opening of the sixth seal. But before we start listening to the opening of the seals, let's look back at what we've heard over the past few months.
With Revelation 4, we peeked into the heavenly throne room and saw immediately a throne and one sitting upon that throne. He is the center of heaven. The twenty-four elders and the four beasts, representing the church and creation, constantly glorify Him: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God “Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” (verse 8). “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure, they are and were created.” (verse 11). Nothing escapes this glorious God; He rules and has everything firmly in His hands. Nothing gets out of His hands.
With Revelation 5, we saw how in the right hand of God was a book. A scroll sealed with 7 seals and described inside and out. God's counsel, God's plan with creation. It seemed that no one was worthy to open this book of God's counsel. Would then the current situation in this world, with all its sin and misery, go on forever? But the Lion from Judah's tribe, the Lamb who was slain, was found worthy. After all, He perfectly carried out God's will and wrought reconciliation on earth. He accepted the scroll. The moment He does, heaven and earth begin to worship Him. So we read about a new song, sung by the twenty-four elders and the four beasts, “Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (verses 9-10) The angels also join in and begin to sing, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” (verse 12) At the end of chapter 5, we read how every creature in heaven on the earth, under the earth, and in the sea sings glory to the Lamb. Thus, the Lamb receives the same honor as God the Father. They appear to be one.
Worship in heaven begins on earth. The church is the place where worship takes place. In that company of saved sinners, everything revolves around the Lamb through whom God the Father is served. Is there anything better and more worthy than to sing God's glory in Christ?