“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing         

‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever.’

              The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.“
Revelation 5:13-14

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When I read about every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea singing, I thought of C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. It is a test of imagination to picture every creature on earth singing in praise to God and to the Son of God. What language or languages will be articulated in this magnificent song of praise? Hebrew?

This is the restoration of all things. God will be acknowledged by every living thing that has breath. He will receive the adoration that is due Him. Each living creature will sing to the glory of God, to Him who created the universe and who holds every atom in place within that universe.

The dialogue in Revelation 5:9-14 has been in song. Music is the medium used repeatedly here to convey worship. First it was twenty-four elders and four living creatures singing, then the sound of over 100 million angels, and finally every living creation in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea will raise their voices.

Music communicates what other forms of expression cannot. Music not only articulates a message, but evokes emotion stirred by the message. This scene is a series of musical crescendos of passionate exaltation to God the Father and God the Son. John’s heart must have been pounding and his ears ringing in the midst of this chorus of praise.

All of this has been happening while the Lamb has been holding the scroll. He has been duly acknowledged, and now it is time to reveal the contents of the scroll. Worship has been the prelude for Jesus, the Lamb of God. The imagery going forward in Revelation 6 is violent and troubling, as the corruption of our systems are “unveiled” as we saw last week. God’s beloved, created world has rejected its Creator and gone astray in rebellion. The contrasting symbols between the joy of heaven and the terror on earth is striking—but the story will end with the joyful City coming down so that God can at last dwell fully among us.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • How does the coming restoration of all things give you hope in a world that seems to be unraveling?
  • How does music contribute to your worship experience? When you focus your attention on worship, what attributes of God come to mind?

Church Reading Plan: 

  • Today, May 17: Isaiah 16; 1 Peter 4
  •  

    Saturday, May 18: Isaiah 17-18; 1 Peter 5

  • Sunday, May 19: Isaiah 19-20; 2 Peter 1