A Vision of the Heavenly Throne Room and the Lamb's Authority

The Throne Room Now: Revelation 4-5

Revelation 4-5 offers a vivid depiction of the heavenly throne room, where God’s authority radiates outward through a structured hierarchy of divine beings, elders, the church, and the heavenly host. At the center of this vision is the Lamb who was slain, Jesus, who alone is worthy to take the scroll and open its seven seals, symbolizing His ultimate authority and role in God’s redemptive plan. The imagery highlights the continuous worship of God and the Lamb by all creation, uniting heaven and earth in praise. This passage underscores two significant implications: the unique power and privilege of prayer, with Jesus interceding on behalf of believers before the Father, and the universal call to evangelism, urging every follower of Christ to boldly proclaim the gospel and make disciples. With Jesus’ authority, the Spirit’s gifting, and the promise of His sufficiency, believers are called to participate in God’s mission to bring the world into His kingdom. 

Sermon Transcript

Revelation 4–5

After this I looked, and there in heaven was an open door. The first voice that I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”

Immediately I was in the Spirit, and there was a throne in heaven and someone was seated on it. The one seated there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian stone. A rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald surrounded the throne.

Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white clothes, with golden crowns on their heads.

Flashes of lightning and rumblings and peals of thunder came from the throne. Seven fiery torches were burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. Something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal, was also before the throne.

Four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back were around the throne on each side. The first living creature was like a lion; the second living creature was like an ox; the third living creature had a face like a man; and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings; they were covered with eyes around and inside. Day and night they never stop, saying,

Holy, holy, holy,

Lord God, the Almighty,

who was, who is, and who is to come.

Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one seated on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before the one seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne and say,

Our Lord and God,

you are worthy to receive

glory and honor and power,

because you have created all things,

and by your will

they exist and were created.

Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides, sealed with seven seals. I also saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or even to look in it. I wept and wept because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or even to look in it. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Look, the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered so that he is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

Then I saw one like a slaughtered lamb standing in the midst of the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent into all the earth. He went and took the scroll out of the right hand of the one seated on the throne.

When he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song:

You are worthy to take the scroll

and to open its seals,

because you were slaughtered,

and you purchased people

for God by your blood

from every tribe and language

and people and nation.

You made them a kingdom

and priests to our God,

and they will reign on the earth.

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands. They said with a loud voice,

Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered

to receive power and riches

and wisdom and strength

and honor and glory and blessing!

I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say,

Blessing and honor and glory and power

be to the one seated on the throne,

and to the Lamb, forever and ever!

The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Welcome, everyone. Today, we continue our series in Revelation, transitioning from the letters to the churches into chapters 4 and 5. This begins the first half of the next narrative section, which extends through the beginning of chapter 8.

Today, we’re focusing on the throne room of God—the heavenly throne room that exists right now. It has existed since the beginning of the church era and will endure until the end, before the fullness of the eternal kingdom is consummated. As we explore this passage, we’ll ask: What does the throne room of God mean for us as individuals? What does it mean for us as the church?

The imagery of the throne room in Scripture consistently points to authority structures. For example, when we see references to crowns, scepters, or thrones, they symbolize authority. Think of someone standing behind the president during a televised address. That person may not say a word, but their presence communicates something significant. The president’s decision to position them there says, “These people support me; I trust them; they represent my authority.” In ancient times, turning your back on someone implied trust—something unimaginable in the context of warfare, where turning your back on an enemy was dangerous. Thus, having someone behind you or beside you conveyed trust and solidarity.

This brings us to a key principle for studying Revelation: focus on the meaning of the images rather than interpreting them in a rigidly literal way. Just as the president’s choice to place someone behind him communicates a symbolic message, the imagery in Revelation is rich with meaning. It’s not about trying to create a detailed timeline for the end times but understanding the heart and purpose of God conveyed through these images.

In the ancient world, the position of trust wasn’t necessarily behind someone—it was at their right hand. To be at someone’s right hand signified immense authority. Consider the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. After being sold into slavery and brought to Egypt, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams. Pharaoh came to trust Joseph so deeply that he placed him over all of Egypt, granting him authority to act on the Pharaoh’s behalf. Joseph didn’t rule over Pharaoh himself, but he had the authority to carry out any task in Egypt without seeking additional permission. This is the kind of authority symbolized by the right hand.

As we move into Revelation 4 and 5, the imagery of the right hand is central, especially regarding who sits at the right hand of the Father. Let’s explore the throne room scene described in these chapters, focusing on the authority structures presented there.

The first thing we see is the Father’s throne. God the Father is seated on His throne, described with the appearance of precious jewels. The floor resembles a sea of diamonds or crystals, and the entire scene is one of incredible beauty and splendor. In the ancient world, the opulence of a throne room reflected the glory of the king who ruled there. Here, the hyperbolic descriptions of wealth and grandeur point to the unmatched glory of God.

From the Father’s throne at the center of this scene, authority radiates outward. Imagine a diagram with the Father at the center, representing ultimate authority. Moving outward, we encounter lower levels of authority, delegated to other beings.

The first level beyond the Father consists of four divine beings, often referred to as cherubim. While the term “angels” is sometimes used generically, cherubim represent a specific class of divine beings. They are not merely messengers; they are powerful creatures uniquely designed to carry out God’s will.

Cherubim often appear alongside another class of angels called the Seraphim. The Cherubim and Seraphim are referenced in various places throughout the Old Testament. While the Cherubim are described in Ezekiel 1 and 10, we won’t focus on those passages today, as they don’t directly enhance the message here. Instead, contrasting the Cherubim in Revelation with the Seraphim in Isaiah 6 reveals something fascinating.

In Isaiah 6, we see a parallel to Revelation. John, in Revelation, is caught up in a vision, taken in the Spirit to the throne room of God. Similarly, Isaiah, in his vision, finds himself in the Spirit, standing in God’s throne room. When Isaiah realizes where he is, he becomes overwhelmed with fear. He sees the Seraphim, who, like the Cherubim in Revelation, are guardians of the throne. They serve to protect and defend but, importantly, are also worshippers. Both the Cherubim and Seraphim cry out, “Holy, holy, holy,” as they worship the Lord of Lords and the Father seated on His throne.

In Isaiah’s vision, the Seraphim are described as having six wings, like the Cherubim in Revelation. However, the Seraphim cover their eyes with two of their wings, signifying their reverence and unwillingness to look upon the Father. By contrast, the Cherubim in Revelation are described as being covered with eyes, both inside and out. John marvels at this detail, noting that they seem omniscient, symbolizing their role as the eyes of God, observing all that happens in heaven and on earth. The Seraphim’s covered eyes in Isaiah’s vision emphasize the holiness of God and humanity’s unworthiness to stand before Him.

Isaiah, confronted with God’s holiness, cries out, “Woe is me! I am a man of unclean lips!” Overcome with fear, he falls prostrate, fully aware of his sinfulness. Even as one of the most righteous men of his time, Isaiah understands the chasm between himself and God’s perfection. At this moment, one of the Seraphim approaches him with a burning coal from the altar, touching it to his lips and declaring him clean. This act signifies the forgiveness of sin and purification, enabling Isaiah to stand in God’s presence.

The contrast between the Seraphim in Isaiah and the Cherubim in Revelation highlights their differing roles. The Seraphim, covering their eyes, do not look upon Isaiah’s sin, symbolizing that God, too, does not regard his sin once it has been cleansed. In Revelation, however, the Cherubim’s many eyes reflect their role as omniscient witnesses of all things. They serve as guardians who see and communicate all that happens in the heavens and the earth, serving a function similar to their role in Ezekiel 1 and 10, where they are described as carrying the glory and presence of God.

Moving outward in the authority structure of the throne room, the next level of imagery in Revelation involves the seven lamps or lampstands. The text refers to them as “torches,” but the Greek word lampas translates more accurately to “lamps” or “lampstands.” These seven lamps represent the seven churches mentioned earlier in Revelation. As we discussed in the letters to the churches, the number seven signifies completeness, meaning these lamps symbolize all churches across all time. The message conveyed to the churches is timeless, applying to every church that has ever existed, exists now, or will exist before Christ’s return.

It’s important to note that the authority described here is given to the churches collectively, not to individuals. The seven lamps represent the church as a whole—Christ’s body—tasked with being His witnesses in the world. In chapter one, we learned that the messengers of the churches are representatives of Jesus, likely referring to leaders such as elders and deacons. These leaders serve as Christ’s representatives, teaching, praying, counseling, and guiding the church in faithfulness.

In the throne room imagery of Revelation, we see authority structures that include the churches themselves, represented by the seven lampstands. While individuals within the church play specific roles, the collective body of the church is what holds authority in this scene. The focus is on the church as a whole, rather than individual members, in God’s divine authority structure.

The next level in this authority structure is represented by the 24 elders, seated on 24 smaller thrones encircling the throne of the Father. This number, 24, is significant, though it isn’t a number that frequently appears in Scripture. However, the number 12 is highly symbolic. There were 12 tribes of Israel and 12 apostles. Even after changes to the group of apostles, the number 12 remained a defining symbol of the original apostolic group.

The 24 elders appear to represent the unification of the Old and New Testament people of God. The 12 tribes of Israel symbolize God’s covenant people under the Old Testament, while the 12 apostles represent the church under the New Testament. Together, these 24 elders emphasize the continuity between Israel and the church, showing that Jesus is the Messiah of Israel and the fulfillment of the promises to God’s people. He came from the tribe of Judah, and through Him, the church furthers God’s kingdom.

It’s important to note that Israel and the church are not distinct entities with separate inheritances. They are part of the same story of redemption, united under Christ. While there are distinctions in time and certain practices of the law, the early church saw Israel and the church as one people of God. John’s vision in Revelation affirms this by presenting the 24 elders as representatives of the totality of God’s covenant people, spanning both Testaments.

These elders, described as patriarchs of faith, cast their crowns before the Father whenever the angels cry out, “Holy, holy, holy.” This action is often interpreted as a representation of believers casting their rewards, symbolized by crowns, at Jesus’ feet in worship. However, the crowns here are specifically symbols of authority. The elders are not surrendering their authority, as they only have authority under the Father to begin with. Instead, casting their crowns reflects a continual acknowledgment that their authority comes from God alone.

Every time the angels worship, the elders join in, casting their crowns and proclaiming that all authority belongs to God. They recognize that their role as elders, whether tied to the tribes of Israel or the apostles, is entirely dependent on the Father’s plan and purpose. They haven’t earned this authority but have received it as an extension of God’s sovereign will. This repeated act demonstrates their submission and humility, declaring, “All authority I have is only under the Father.”

Next, we encounter what might be described as the Heavenly Host. This term refers to the multitude of spiritual beings—the armies of heaven—encircling the throne. The phrase “heavenly host” carries the connotation of a vast, organized militia of divine beings created by God. These include cherubim, seraphim, watchers, and other spiritual entities that serve the purposes of God in both worship and warfare. While “angels” is often used as a general term, it encompasses a variety of divine beings, each with unique roles in God’s kingdom.

In this throne room scene, even the heavenly host—God’s spiritual beings—are under the authority of the 24 elders. This emphasizes the structured hierarchy present in the throne room. Finally, at the outermost circle of this authority structure, we find all of God’s people—the saints—those who follow Jesus. This represents the last tier of authority in the throne room.

This scene reflects the setup of a great ancient throne room, where different tiers of authority surrounded the king at the center. Those in the outermost circles would gather to witness the events unfolding in the throne room and to participate in the worship of the king. As we progress into Revelation 5, we see that this group of people, all gathered around the throne, gives praise to the Father. They worship alongside all the heavenly beings and elders present in the throne room.

It’s important to note that this group doesn’t include all human beings across all time. It specifically includes those who have given themselves to the one true God in faith—either those from the Old Testament who looked forward to the coming of Christ or those from the New Testament who look back to the cross and follow Jesus, knowing He died, rose, and offers forgiveness of sins. This gathering of saints—Old Testament and New Testament believers—witnesses the events in the throne room, united in worship of the Almighty.

From our perspective in time, I believe this scene is past tense. It represents the saints who have died in Christ and are now in the throne room. We, however, are not yet part of this gathering because, as we will see in the next chapter, the opening of the seals occurs during what we call the church era. This means the saints present here are those who have gone before us, but one day we too will join them in worship and praise of the Almighty.

This brings us to an important question: where is Jesus in this scene? Let’s turn our attention to the Lamb. Where does He appear in the throne room? On the diagram, I’ve marked the Lamb with an "L," and you’ll notice He appears in two places. This is intentional, as it reflects the progression of Jesus’ role in this vision.

We know Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, as John the Baptist declared. When Jesus first appears in the scene, He is positioned among the elders—He isn’t yet seated with the Father on the throne, which might be where we’d expect Him to be. This placement is significant because, as Hebrews 2:7 tells us, Jesus was made “a little lower than the angels.”

This verse in Hebrews references Psalm 8:5, where David speaks of humanity being made “a little lower than the angels.” The author of Hebrews applies this truth to Jesus, emphasizing His full humanity. Throughout history, some have questioned whether Jesus is truly God or truly human, as though He cannot be both. However, the emphasis here is on Jesus’ humanity.

In the throne room, Jesus is placed among the humans, though notably, He is positioned with the highest of humanity—either directly among the 24 elders as a 25th figure or with the churches. He is not yet positioned above the divine beings because He was made, for a time, lower than the angels.

If we consider Jesus’ story in the Gospels, we see this reflected. During His time on earth, before His death and resurrection, He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Satan, aware of the authority given to other divine beings over nations at the time, tempted Jesus by offering Him authority over all the kingdoms of the world if He would bow down and worship him. Essentially, Satan offered Jesus a shortcut to rulership, bypassing the cross. But Jesus refused, remaining faithful to the Father’s plan.

Instead, Jesus endured the cross and rose from the dead, conquering death and proving Himself to be the Lamb who was slain and is now worthy to receive all authority. As Philippians 2 reminds us, Jesus humbled Himself, even to the point of death, and has now been exalted to the highest place, receiving the name above all names.

In this throne room scene in Revelation, Jesus approaches the throne to take the scroll and open its seals, demonstrating His perfect authority. While He doesn’t yet sit on the throne in this part of the vision, His approach to the throne signifies the fulfillment of His role as the Lamb who was slain and who now reigns.

What’s remarkable here is the moment when Jesus appears in the throne room. Initially, no one is found who is worthy to open the scroll. John, overwhelmed by this, begins to weep. I think John’s weeping comes from his expectation and hope in Jesus. Remember, John is the disciple described as “the one whom Jesus loved.” He witnessed Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, and now, in this vision, he looks around and wonders, “Where is Jesus?”

But then Jesus appears—the Lamb enters the scene. He alone is found worthy to open the scroll. This is a powerful moment, not just for the vision but for the entire narrative of redemption. Jesus, as the Lamb, fulfills the promises of God and takes His rightful place in the unfolding plan of salvation.

As we continue, it’s worth pausing to ask: what does Jesus look like in this scene?

The images ascribed to Jesus in this passage are deeply significant. He is described as a lamb—specifically, a lamb who was slaughtered. This imagery ties directly to the Jesus of the Gospels: the one who taught the disciples, fed the masses, performed miracles, fulfilled the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament, died, and rose again. They recognize Him as the Lamb of God, the Savior foretold throughout Scripture.

The lamb imagery reaches back to the Old Testament sacrificial system, where a lamb was required for the atonement of sin. The lamb was slain, and its blood symbolically covered sin, providing forgiveness. This image connects the entire biblical story of salvation, from the sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. The Lamb of God fulfills this narrative, providing atonement not just for one person or nation, but for all humanity.

Now, while much of what is described in Revelation is symbolic, it’s worth noting that Jesus’ enthronement in heaven—His seating at the right hand of the Father—is past tense for us today. What we’re seeing in Revelation builds upon this reality and moves toward the final culmination of God’s plan.

In the vision, the lamb has seven horns. This is an interesting detail because lambs don’t naturally have horns, which signals that this imagery is not literal but symbolic. Horns in Scripture often represent authority, specifically judicial or ruling authority. The fact that the Lamb has seven horns emphasizes complete or perfect authority—perfect judicial power over all creation. This authority is key to the Lamb’s ability to open the scroll, as we’ll see shortly.

This image of horns also connects back to the Old Testament. In the tabernacle and later the temple, the altar had four horns on its corners. When sacrifices were made for sin, the blood of the sacrifice was smeared on these horns, symbolizing the appeasement of God’s justice. The blood covered the sin and satisfied the judicial requirements of the law. In Revelation, the Lamb who was slain bears the seven horns, indicating that He has fulfilled and perfected this judicial authority. His sacrifice has brought complete satisfaction to God’s justice.

The Lamb is also described as having seven eyes. Again, this is not a literal depiction. If Jesus had risen with seven eyes, His disciples would not have recognized Him during His earthly appearances after the resurrection! Instead, the seven eyes symbolize perfect sight—complete omniscience.

This image parallels the description of the cherubim earlier in Revelation. These divine beings are covered in eyes, symbolizing their unparalleled ability to see and understand all that happens in heaven and on earth. Yet, even their sight pales in comparison to that of the Lamb, who has seven eyes, signifying perfect vision. Jesus sees all things—past, present, and future. He also sees all that could have been and all that could ever be. There is no limit to His knowledge.

Because of His identity as the Lamb of God, His perfect judicial authority (symbolized by the seven horns), and His all-seeing omniscience (symbolized by the seven eyes), He alone is deemed worthy to open the scroll.

Now, what is the scroll? It is described as a document or contract sealed with seven seals. These seals are not to be broken lightly. In the ancient world, seals protected the contents of legal or royal documents, ensuring they were opened only by someone with the authority to address or execute what was written inside. Seven seals represent ultimate completeness, signifying that the document within is of the highest order.

The question then becomes: who is worthy to break these seals? Who can open this scroll, which represents the culmination of God’s plan? It requires a judge of perfect authority and righteousness—someone who can appeal to the highest court of justice. This is why John weeps when no one is found worthy.

Even Moses, if faced with such a document, might have said, "Five seals? I can handle that. Seven seals? You’ll need someone greater." The completeness of the seals points to the necessity of the Lamb, who alone has the authority, wisdom, and worthiness to open the scroll and carry out its contents.

What we find here is that, because the scroll is sealed with seven seals, only the highest judge with the ultimate authority can open it. The beings in the throne room look to Jesus and recognize that He alone is worthy. He is the one who holds that authority.

This realization leads to an extraordinary moment of worship. They begin to sing a song of praise, declaring:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing” (Revelation 5:12).

What’s striking here is that this song is sung about Jesus, even though the Father is seated right there on the throne. Some might wonder, “Isn’t the Father more glorious? More honorable? More wise? More powerful?” This interplay between the Father and the Son reveals something central to the biblical narrative and our understanding of the Trinity.

Our series is titled, All Glory Be to Christ Our King. So, is Jesus the King of Kings? Or is the Father the King of Kings? Who holds the highest authority? This is the stumbling block that many wrestle with throughout the Scriptures, especially in the Gospels.

In the Gospel accounts, we see the Pharisees grappling with Jesus’ claims. When He forgives sins, they respond, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:7). They recognize that Jesus, a man before them, is equating Himself with God. To them, this was blasphemy, and they were correct in understanding that Jesus was making divine claims. What they failed to grasp, however, was that Jesus truly is the one true and sovereign Lord.

This difficulty reflects an ancient theological concept known as the “Two Powers in Heaven.” In ancient Jewish thought, there was a recognition of Yahweh as the fully transcendent, sovereign God, but there were also instances where Yahweh appeared in physical, tangible form. These appearances, often referred to as the second Yahweh, carried the same divine authority as the transcendent Yahweh. While ancient Jewish literature did not fully articulate the Trinity as we understand it today, they were observing the reality of two persons within the Godhead—the transcendent Yahweh and the visible Yahweh.

This same dynamic is at play in Revelation. In the throne room, the Father is seated on the throne, and yet Jesus, the Lamb, receives the same praise, honor, and glory. They sing:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power be to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13).

There is no tension between the Father and the Son in this worship. They share the same throne, the same authority, and the same glory. While the imagery in Revelation uses physical descriptions like thrones, the deeper reality is that Jesus shares in the fullness of the Father’s authority because they are one. Our God is triune—three in one—and the Father, Son, and Spirit share perfect unity in their authority, power, and glory.

When Jesus conquered death and ascended to the right hand of the Father, Philippians 2 tells us that He was given the name above all names. It says:

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10–11).

This scene in Revelation reflects that moment. All the heavenly hosts, along with the redeemed people of God, fall down in worship before the Lamb. All authority is given to Him, and every voice declares His glory.

What’s fascinating is that Jesus knew this authority was His even before He ascended. In Matthew 28:18, He declares:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

Before His death and resurrection, Jesus did not yet have all authority. This is why, during His temptation in the wilderness, Satan could offer Him authority over the kingdoms of the world. At that time, some divine authority over the nations had been given to other spiritual beings, and Satan was attempting to tempt Jesus with a shortcut to rulership. But Jesus resisted, faithfully following the Father’s plan.

After His resurrection, Jesus took back that authority. He now holds the keys to death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). All judicial authority—the authority to judge, to rule, and to reign—belongs fully to Him. This ties back to what we’ve discussed before in the unseen realm: Jesus has conquered and now reigns supreme over all things, seen and unseen.

Where once there were authorities over nations—where even Satan held authority over this earth—now they no longer hold that power. Are these beings still present? Yes. Do they have authority? No. All authority now belongs to Jesus. And remember, being at the right hand of the Father signifies full and complete judicial authority.

This is why Jesus is the one who takes the scroll. He is the only one, besides the Father, who is qualified—who has the authority—to open it. As we will see next week, when Jesus begins to peel back those seals, significant events unfold. I believe we will discover that these seals have been relevant throughout history and remain relevant for us today. But we’ll leave that for next week. For now, let’s focus on the reality that Jesus holds that ultimate authority.

As we reflect on this passage, a few key implications stand out, and I want to share two with you: prayer and corporate worship.

Prayer

The New Testament provides a rich picture of prayer, especially in light of Jesus’ role as our intercessor. Many of us understand prayer simply as speaking to God, knowing that He hears us. While that is true, the biblical narrative reveals something much deeper.

If we truly believe that Jesus has risen to the right hand of the Father, then we also believe what the author of Hebrews tells us:

“He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

What does this mean? It means that when you, as a follower of Jesus, offer up a prayer, He is there, interceding on your behalf before the Father. Jesus is your advocate. He stands before the King of Kings, presenting your petitions. This unique privilege is something Christians possess that others do not.

Does God hear the prayers of those who are not Christians in the sense that He knows they are uttered? Yes, of course. But for Christians, prayer is different. Jesus actively intercedes for us. When you confess your sin, Jesus declares before the Father, “I covered that sin. My death paid the price. My blood has cleansed this person. They are forgiven.” Every prayer you pray is offered with Jesus as your advocate, defending you before the Father with His righteousness.

This is the confidence we have in prayer. As Christians, we boldly approach the throne of grace, knowing that Jesus makes our petitions known and acceptable to the Father. This confidence also extends to corporate prayer.

Corporate Prayer

Jesus Himself said,

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20).

In the throne room, we see this principle vividly illustrated. The 24 elders are gathered in the name of Jesus, and Jesus is present in their midst. He is at the center of the throne room, opening the scroll, fulfilling His role as the Lamb. This reinforces the significance of coming together in prayer.

What’s even more remarkable is the imagery of the elders holding bowls of incense, which represent the prayers of the saints. Scripture describes these prayers rising before God as a pleasing aroma, and the elders seem to give an "amen" to them. This image shows that our prayers are not isolated but are part of a larger, cosmic act of worship and intercession.

When we pray corporately—whether as a small group of two or three, or as a gathered church of hundreds—we affirm one another’s prayers with our "amen." This word, which means “truly” or “I agree,” reflects a shared faith and unity. It is a way of joining our hearts together before the throne of God.

The Significance of “Amen”

Although Scripture doesn’t explicitly command us to end prayers with “amen,” the tradition has deep roots in the practice of the church. When we pray “in Jesus’ name,” we acknowledge that He is our intercessor. We pray through Him to the Father. But when we say “amen,” we are agreeing with one another in faith.

In corporate prayer, the amen signifies collective agreement. When one person prays, the rest of the group gives their amen—not just out of habit, but as an act of faith. We affirm the words spoken, joining our voices together in unity before God.

This practice connects us to the heavenly throne room scene. Just as the 24 elders hold the prayers of the saints and affirm them with their presence, so too, we join together as the people of God, offering prayers to the Father through the Son, united by the Spirit. It’s a beautiful picture of the church on earth participating in the worship of heaven.

When we gather in a Sunday service, and someone like Pastor Dan or Pastor Trey leads the congregation in prayer, what are we, as the congregation, supposed to do? Are we just meant to close our eyes and wait until they’re done? Not at all. As a congregation, we are to actively participate in the prayer.

Whether you quietly pray along in your mind or even mutter the words softly to yourself, the idea is that you are praying those words as your own. You are being led in prayer, but you are participating, believing and affirming those words. At the end, when the room says, “Amen,” they are collectively saying, “I agree.” Even if the prayer was spoken by someone else, you are affirming it as true and as your own.

This practice of corporate prayer reflects the unity of the body of Christ. James reinforces this when he writes about the power of prayer:

“The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect” (James 5:16).

James specifically encourages believers to bring their prayers to the elders of the church. While the principle extends beyond just elders to anyone who is spiritually mature and grounded in the Word, there is something distinct about receiving prayer from church leaders. It combines spiritual authority, wisdom, and often the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

If you are in need of prayer, I encourage you to reach out to the church. Whether you request prayer from an elder, pastor, or trusted leader, there is power in these prayers. You can submit your prayer requests through the prayer box on our website. If you’d like someone to contact you, pray with you over the phone, or even come to your home, there’s a form on the website where you can request that as well. Don’t hesitate—prayer is a powerful gift that God has given to His people.

Evangelism: "Here I Am, Lord, Send Me"

The second implication from this passage is evangelism—taking the message of the gospel into the world. To unpack this, I want to reflect on Isaiah 6.

We already talked about how Isaiah received purification in the throne room of God. After the seraphim touched the coal to his lips, God no longer looked upon Isaiah’s sin. Immediately following this, the Lord asks a profound question in His divine council:

“Who will I send? Who will go for us?”

Isaiah, now confident in his forgiveness, boldly responds:

“Here I am. Send me!”

Imagine the courage it took to respond that way in the very throne room of God. But Isaiah believed what God had declared about him—that he was forgiven and purified. Because of that belief, he fearlessly offered himself for whatever mission God had.

This same question is posed to us today. If you are confident that you’ve been forgiven by Jesus, then Isaiah’s story should resonate deeply. Hear Jesus asking in the throne room of God:

“Who will I send? Who will go for us?”

How will you respond? Have you declared to God, “Here I am, Lord. Send me”? Have you committed to being available for His purposes, trusting in His forgiveness and calling?

This isn’t just a prayer for pastors or missionaries. This is the prayer of every faithful follower of Jesus. It’s a commitment to live in obedience to Him, ready to share His message with the world.

The Great Commission: "Go and Make Disciples"

This leads directly to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18–20. After His resurrection, Jesus declared:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.”

Jesus’ authority—spiritual and physical—covers everything. And because of this, He commands us to “go.” The word therefore links His authority to our mission. Because He reigns over all, we are sent to proclaim the gospel to all nations.

Making disciples involves several steps. First, people must hear the message of Jesus. They must hear the gospel—the good news that Jesus died for their sins, rose again, and offers forgiveness and eternal life. Second, we baptize those who believe, symbolizing their entry into the family of God. Finally, we teach them to obey all that Christ has commanded. This is the lifelong process of discipleship.

This is not just the work of missionaries in foreign lands. It’s the work of every believer, whether in your neighborhood, workplace, or community. The Great Commission is for all of us. Jesus has sent us with His authority to proclaim His name and make disciples.

So, as we reflect on Isaiah’s response and Jesus’ commission, ask yourself: Have I said, “Here I am, Lord. Send me”? Are you ready to boldly step into the mission that God has called every believer to?

When we gather as followers of Jesus and consider the call to discipleship, it’s essential to recognize that making disciples is not optional. It’s not a task reserved for a select few. When Isaiah said, “Here I am, send me,” it wasn’t presented as a choice for only some believers. It was the natural response of someone who had encountered the living God and been forgiven of sin.

This call is for every single one of us. Some may hesitate, thinking, “But I’m shy,” or, “I stumble over my words.” Yet, if you truly know Jesus, why wouldn’t you tell others about Him? If you really understand the gospel—that Jesus died for your sins, rose again, and offers eternal life—why would you keep that to yourself?

God isn’t limited by your weaknesses. Consider Moses, who doubted his ability to speak. God gave him Aaron to help, showing that He always equips His people for the tasks He calls them to. Likewise, Jesus provides everything you need to fulfill His command.

First, He has all authority. There is no devil, demon, false god, or power in the universe that can stand in the way of the Word of God. They may try to lie to you, to discourage you, to whisper that this calling isn’t for you. But that is a lie. You are called to be an ambassador for Christ, carrying His message to the world. His authority is absolute, and He has placed that authority on you to go and proclaim His name. No power can stop the Word of God when it is spoken.

Second, Jesus has given you the gifting and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. While not everyone has the same gifts, each of us has been uniquely equipped to share the gospel in a way that reflects God’s design for our lives. Your call to advance the gospel may look different from mine or someone else’s, but you have a ministry to carry out. If you’re unsure of your gifting, begin by serving in ways you see others bringing the gospel forward. You’ll discover how God has uniquely equipped you to serve Him.

Finally, Jesus is sufficient. There will never be a moment where you find yourself in need and discover that He isn’t enough. His authority, power, and Spirit are always more than sufficient for every situation. Isaiah wasn’t afraid to go forward with God’s message because he knew that God’s power and presence were with him. Likewise, as you step out in faith, you can trust that Jesus is with you, empowering you for the work He has called you to.

If you’ve decided to follow Jesus, you’ve essentially declared, “No turning back.” You’ve made a commitment to proclaim the gospel, call others to repentance, and invite them into the kingdom of God. This is the mission of every believer: to go, proclaim, baptize, and make disciples of Jesus.

Our closing song today reminds us of this truth: If the cross is behind you, the world is before you. If you can look back and say, “Jesus bore my sins on the cross, and I am redeemed,” then the world lies before you as your mission field. That’s your calling. Go, therefore, and make disciples for Jesus.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, we come before You with gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus. We thank You that He has risen to the right hand of the Father, that He walked up to the throne and received the scroll. In that moment, all of heaven—the divine council, the elders, and the followers of Jesus who had gone before us—gathered to give their amen. They proclaimed with one voice that You are the Lamb who was slain, who has risen, and who reigns on the throne.

All blessing, honor, glory, power, wisdom, and strength belong to You and the Father.

We are thankful for Your authority, Lord, because it is by that authority that we have hope for salvation. It is also by that authority that we can carry out the work You have entrusted to us. Empower us, Lord, to live boldly for You, to proclaim Your name, and to call others into Your kingdom. Here we are, Lord—send us.

I pray for our church, Lord, that You would empower us, gift us, and fill us with zeal and excitement for the gospel, for prayer, and for the Scriptures. May we grow in our faith, in our understanding of You, and in our ability to proclaim the good news. I pray that each one of us would see Your supernatural work in our lives—that we would have no explanation for the things You accomplish through us except the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.

Lord, let no doubt take root in the minds of Your followers. Do not allow anyone to doubt that You give this kind of power, gifting, and authority to Your people. Protect us from the lies of the evil one, and may we never abandon the blessing of carrying out the command You have given us.

We are grateful for the salvation You have provided and the salvation You offer to the world. May we be faithful ambassadors of that message.

We pray all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.