Connect360: The Soundtrack of Heaven

• Lesson 5 in the Connect360 unit “Heaven & Angels: Our Eternal Home and Its Heavenly Hosts” focuses onRevelation 5:6, 11-12.

When Jesus takes the scroll, heaven breaks out in a symphony of worship and praise. And so here, not only are we there worshiping the Lamb, but the angels are also there worshiping. Verse 11 says they encircled the throne alongside four “living creatures” and the elders (that’s us, the saints).

So, here is the picture of the throne of heaven in the center of the scene, with God Almighty sitting upon it as the God of the Universe. And here is the Lamb of God, what is described as the four living creatures, and all the saints of God and the angels—so many you cannot count them—all around him. And at that moment, we all begin to praise God in a loud voice.

The Greek word here is legos, meaning we speak the words. Did you ever imagine that in heaven? It is in the text. The Living Bible translates it “sing,” but it is a totally different word used in verse 5:9 than 5:11, which definitely uses the word for singing. We “sing” a new song. But the word for what the angels do is “shout.” They shout, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing” (5:12).

The praise builds up greater and greater, and there is one final pinnacle of praise (5:13). The word there also is “lego,” or shouting. However they do it—speaking or singing—John says he heard every creature everywhere give praise, honor, and glory to God and Jesus.

What if you cannot sing? What if you cannot carry a tune in a bucket? In heaven, since we will be like Jesus, we will be able to sing like Jesus. Many people are surprised to learn Jesus is a singer (Hebrews 2:12). This verse refers to Jesus fulfilling Psalm 22:22, where Jesus is speaking in the first person: “I will proclaim your name to my brothers; in the midst of the assembly I will sing your praise.” Did you know that we have a singing Savior?

Maybe you have never thought about it before, but we have evidence of his love for music. Jesus sang during His earthly ministry, and according to Hebrews 2, he is still singing! Both Matthew and Mark write how after the Last Supper, Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn and went to the Mount of Olives. What did they sing? The psalm usually sung after the Passover meal was Psalm 118. The Jews still sing it after their Passover meal today.

What I am saying is that God invented music and worship, and it plays a huge role in heaven. God loves to be praised, and the Lord Himself is the sweet singer of salvation. The prophet Zephaniah described our loving God as singing over his people (Zephaniah 3:17).

So, do not worry if you cannot sing now. Go ahead and make a joyful noise unto the Lord. And smile when you anticipate the day when you will be engulfed in a symphony of praise in heaven. What will make us break out in song? When we are finally up close and personal with Jesus our Redeemer.

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