In chapter four we left off where John was in the spirit or, as some say, he saw a vision of God seated on His throne, and Jesus speaking to John of what will be in the future. It’s easy to read this (aloof from it) because we are so used to watching perverted imaginations of people who allow their minds to run rampant with lusts and twisted fantasies on television (or in paperback books). But if one were to read this prayerfully, with an inquisitive, open mind, it is really scary to believe this will happen in the future. Those of us who have accepted Christ Jesus into our hearts through faith and belief in Him will not suffer the consequences from opening the seals on this book. We shall be with Christ Jesus, the slain Lamb of God.
I tried to find the meaning of the seven spirits of God and all I can say is “seek and ye shall find.” If we read commentaries in our Bibles, we’ll know what other people’s opinions are about it, but we really should seek it out ourselves in our own Bibles and ask God for understanding and wisdom. James said to ask for wisdom in James 1:5 and God will give it to us liberally. Also, we should call out for understanding, as is written in Proverbs 2:1-8.
Revelations 5:1-9 “1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, 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;”
My comment here is only to say it is safe to think the 24 elders could be prophets, disciples, and/or holy people of God, because it says “every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” so it could be symbolic to represent all of us, who’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. There are certainly more than 24 nations and tongues on this earth. But who am I to say? It’s just my commentary!
And as for the seven spirits of God, well, I’ve searched that, too, and have come to believe it’s another one of those mysteries of God that are beyond my comprehension, just like the three persons in the Blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I can’t figure it out, and it is written “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Revelations 5:10-14 “10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.”
So, I have a question for you. If you multiply ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands, what total do you get? A lot more than 144,000, that’s for sure! That’s a lot of voices!
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