Revelation 5:7-8 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.
The Lamb takes the scroll because only he is worthy to open it. God the Father sits on the throne in full sovereignty. Jesus told his disciples that only the Father knows the day and the hour for Jesus’ return. In this passage, the time has come for things to begin to unfold. The Father holds the scroll until ready for the Lamb to receive it and begin the unfolding of the final plan. Since only the Lamb is worthy to begin the clock, those gathered around the throne fall down in worship.
The prayers of God’s people were about to be answered. The image of the prayers as incense gives the idea that these had been collecting for some time. Finally, this was the time for them to be brought forth. Christians throughout the ages have been crying out, “Maranatha,” “Come, Lord.” We look forward to Jesus’ coming again. We pray for it. While we wait, we must endure. These verses give us the confidence that God is indeed in control. We should not fear nor have doubts about the future. God has time under control and will set in motion the end events at the right time.
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