Heaven's Silence

I have always been fascinated by the book Revelation.

Partly, perhaps, because it seems almost impenetrable to the modern consciousness at first (or second, or third) glance(s) and I love a good challenge.

Certainly because I have always been strongly attracted to the person of Jesus and here--He is crucified Triumph and Justice. Who can resist the "eyes of blazing fire," the "voice like the sound of rushing waters," the sword-speaking mouth and the "face like the sun shining in all its brilliance"? (cf. Revelation 1:15-16) His shocking beauty overwhelms and mystifies my very being.

And undoubtedly I find my way back to Revelation because here we are promised that He is making all things new.

Most recently, I continue to return to one small, almost unnoticeable verse:

When [the Lamb] opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. (8:1)

The 59 verses prior to this moment are stuffed with movement, noise, explanations, signs, wonders, devastations, songs, weeping and trumpets. Then, suddenly, silence. I have racked my brain and searched the text and I can find no definite answer for why the silence suddenly happens. The only viable explanation that I've come up with so far is that the silence serves as a foil to the sounding of the seven trumpets that follow it (which does not satisfy my intellectual curiosity).

How did all of heaven--all of the angels, creatures, and multitudes of worshippers-- know that exact moment demanded absolute silence? Why was it absolutely silent? What could have possibly motivated such an orchestrated, sudden and deafening silence?

Then, I remember the fact that they are silent together, every single one of them. Together, myriads and myriads of people, angels and creatures are silent when the Lamb opens a sealed scroll. In unison, every being recognizes instantly the demand of quiet watchfulness.

So it's okay that I don't know how or why. It is good enough to look forward even more to the day when the Lamb does not have to speak. I will just look at Him and I will know. And all of heaven will know with me.