Revelation 5 (NIV)

Summary:

The Scroll and the Lamb
Verses 1-14

John saw, in the right hand of the One seated on the throne, a scroll with writing on both sides, with 7 seals.  A mighty angel called out, " 'Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?' "  (Verse 2b)  No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth could open it or look inside.  John wept because no one worthy was found.

One of the elders told John, " 'Do not weep!  See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.  He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.' "  (Verse 5b)

Then, John saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slain.  It was standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the 4 living creatures and the 24 elders.  It had 7 horns and 7 eyes, which are the 7 spirits (or sevenfold spirit of God sent out into all the earth).  He took the scroll from the One on the throne.  The living creatures and elders fell before Him.  They each had a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.  They sang a new song:  " 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.  You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.' " (Verses 9b-10)

John looked and heard the voices of many angels: 10,000 times 10,000.  They encircled the throne, the creatures, and the elders.  In a loud voice, they sang:  " 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!' "  (Verse 12b)

John heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them sing, " 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!' "  (Verse 13b)  The four living creatures said 'Amen' and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Lori's Thoughts:

This is my educated interpretation - The scroll is the Book of Life, where the names of those who are saved are written.  John wept, because if no one was worthy to open the scroll and present the names to God, then none of us humans could ever enter heaven.  However, Jesus is worthy.  He is worthy, because He paid our entrance fee with His blood.

The golden bowls with incense are the saints' communications with God.  Maybe this is evidence of a relationship with Him that helps back up the scroll's list.

Who are the thousands upon thousands of angels?  Are they those of us that will be in heaven, in our new bodies?  If angels are represented by spirits, lampstands, and the Lamb's 7 eyes in Revelation; maybe we are represented by angels...

All heaven broke loose in praise and worship of our Savior and Redeemer.  It's interesting how He is represented as the Lion of Judah and the Sacrificial Lamb.  Our God is mighty.  He humbled Himself for us.  He may be scarred as a Lamb, but He is the I Am.  My words are inadequate to express how awesome and powerful He is.