Revelation 4 is nearing its climax. Through the eyes of John, we saw the heavenly throne room. We saw wondrous things, things almost beyond description, far beyond our comprehension. But what we understood of it was full of comfort. However, after John describes everything he saw in heaven, he tells us what he heard in the heavenly throne room. And apparently, in heaven, there is ongoing worship, a great liturgy. Earthly worship and liturgy may feel part of this heavenly liturgy and worship. Earthly worship and liturgy find their fulfillment in heaven. What takes place here on earth bears little resemblance to what takes place in heaven.
First, we hear four animals, thus representing creation, and the creature sings: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8). God is honored and glorified by the four animals before the throne. They take all of creation with them in their worship. They stand in reverence and awe before a holy God. God who is omnipotent. God whose name is “LORD,” “I am who I am,” or as it is expressed here, “which was, and is, and is to come.” God holds everything in His hand. He determines the times and the progress of the ages. All our lives are in His hands. What a comfort for His children! We then read, “And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying.” (Revelation 4:9-10) We can also translate, “Whenever those beasts…”. John points to the fact that worship in heaven is unceasing. But hearing the worship of the four animals, the twenty-four elders fall before God, sitting on the throne, and they join the heavenly worship and liturgy. Those twenty-four elders represent the Old and New Testament church, the twelve tribes of Israel, and the twelve apostles. They throw their crowns before God's throne, out of reverence and as a sign of submission. They sing, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11) They give glory to God. They know of God's righteousness and holiness, faithfulness and love, mercy and compassion. They marvel that God sustains the creation he created. Yes, they know that God's will is done. Thus, from heaven, they may encourage the church here on earth. God reigns!