Revelation 5 continues the scene from the throne room in heaven. In it a scroll is presented, but no one can open it. After some time, a “Lamb” that looked as if it had been slain, came and opened the scroll. The “Lamb” is Jesus. The description of the Lamb must be metaphorical, given that Jesus is a person. The elders and angels worshiped the Lamb and sang Him their praise. Take a good look at this chapter, because one day, we will be among those who are singing our praises to Jesus as well–so long as we belong to Him, because He is our Savior and Lord!
In Revelation 6, the Lamb removes six of the seven seals on the scroll, one at a time. With the removal of each seal comes a significant event. The first four seals being removed releases what has often been referred to as “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” They will be given power to devastate the earth. The fifth seal revealed martyrs who had died for their faith and are waiting for their full reinstatement in the time of Jesus’ victorious establishment of His eternal kingdom. The sixth seal released natural disasters on the earth. The impact will be felt throughout the planet. The question always asked is: When will this happen? The short answer is: Even Jesus didn’t know when He was on the earth, so our efforts ought to be put forth in seeking to help people come to know Jesus before they take place!
Revelation 7 reveals an event debated, discussed, and that has even brought about a cult that focuses on the “144,000 virgin men” from the various tribes of Israel. The Jehovah’s Witnesses claim only 144,000 people will be in heaven. Once their numbers surpassed 144,000 people, they adjusted their views to say those 144,000 will be in heaven, while the others who believe and are faithful will be on the new earth. In reading the rest of the chapter we see, the number of folks in heaven cannot be counted! That is much more than 144,000. We see they will come from every people, tribe, tongue and nation. So much for those who think heaven will be populated only with people like them. This amazing scene in heaven will include people from everywhere on earth.
Revelation 8 tells us when the seventh seal was opened there was silence in heaven for half an hour. Talk about a dramatic pause…. Then seven angels came before God and they were given seven trumpets. Remember the number seven symbolizes God, perfection, and fulfillment. So far, we’ve seen seven seals, now seven trumpets. We will experience more sevens before we’re done. We’re told another angel came before the throne with a bowl of incense. The “incense” was actually the prayers of the saints. Consider that picture. Our prayers go up to the Lord in the same manner as incense used to go up from the Temple in Jerusalem. In the remainder of the chapter, the seven angels start to blow their trumpets, each in succession. As it was with the seven seals, the seven trumpets release disasters on the earth. Some of the disasters are similar to the plagues poured out on Egypt. We read of four of the trumpets’ disasters as the chapter closes, and a voice warns us the next three will be even worse.
As we return to Luke 21, Jesus affirms a widow who gave her last two pennies into the Temple offering. This is the only time Jesus affirmed someone for faithfulness in giving. He pointed out the amount wasn’t what made it special, but the sacrifice involved–it was all she had. The remainder of the chapter is devoted to Jesus telling us some of the signs of the end of the age. This fits well with the reading from the Book of Revelation. While Jesus and the Book of Revelation are detailed in telling us what will happen as the end approaches, they don’t tell us when it will happen. When isn’t ours to worry about, that leaves us with plenty of time to think about how we can help others to trust Jesus, while there is still time!