Bible Commentaries

In this chapter we have John's vision of the heavenly arrangement for earthly administration. The program lies in the hand of the One who sits on the throne. It is written, but sealed, and none can know it. This fact produced a great sorrow in John, so that he wept much, seeing that none was able to take the book and unloose the seals in order that the heavenly program might be carried out on the earthly level.

But now appeared the Lamb, whose advent was heralded by the most wonderful music it is possible to imagine. In the great movement the living ones and the elders and countless thousands of angels joined with the whole creation of God. As in the vision of the heavenly order in the previous chapter the fact of the Throne was the supreme revelation, here is revealed the equally glorious fact that the administration of the will of God in earthly affairs is committed to Christ.

If indeed the earlier vision of the heavenly order prevents panic, this vision inspires the heart with thrills of joy, and, perforce, causes it to express itself in ceaseless song. To see the scroll on which is written the story of the divine purpose and program in the pierced hand is to prepare to sing the song of assurance amid all the strange and otherwise perplexing events which are to follow. Holiness is thus established on the central throne, and acts through Him who is forever the Exponent of the Infinite Love. This leaves no room for doubt that whatever happens will be in accord with strictest justice and tenderest compassion. Happy is the man who in the midst of all the problems and perplexities of the present age remains forever conscious of the established heavenly order and of the method of earthly administration.